Presence Alone is Enough

My husband and I volunteer in the children’s area at church.  Our classroom consists of third graders.  At one point during the morning, we gather with kindergarten through fourth grade classrooms to worship and hear a message.  During worship, dances accompany the songs.  Most kids eagerly arise and move all around to the motions required for the song.  Some stand there and watch the ones on stage performing the moves (my children fit this category).  And still others sit, refusing to stand or move an inch.  Controlling the amount of children present necessitates numerous leaders.  At least two adults per classroom remain at all times. 

Once worship ends, a teacher comes forth to present the message.  At this point, leaders must quiet the children, have them face forward and keep their attention on the teacher.  Well, some days this task comes with more difficulty than others.  It all depends on the mix of characters represented that day.  Overall, they do not pose a problem.  On the rowdy days, warnings fly out right and left of needing to be quiet and listen.  Should obedience fail to take place, they move to a different spot on the risers, come stand by me or I come sit by them.  None of the results sound exciting to them.  Usually, a warning is all it takes for them to listen and quiet down. 

But, then, kids will be kids and often operate according to their emotions.  If they feel rambunctious, a wild streak appears before us; if they feel sullen, calmness enters the room; if they feel irritable, rebellion stands firm before us.  Regardless, leaders adjust to the emotions and guide the children toward respect and following rules while in service and classroom.  In such moments when the prior warnings go in one ear and out the other, a leader decides to make their presence known.  We sit between the two children struggling to be quiet or sit still.  Or, we sit in front of the child struggling to keep feet and hands to themselves.  Our presence alone appears enough to enforce the proper way to act.  No word, just us sitting next to them, provides the example of how to act in such a setting.

Leadership remains throughout life.  No matter the age, a guide or government provides rules of how to act in given settings.  But, there is one Leader surpassing any here on Earth.  One Leader provides warnings, guidance and more importantly, the example to follow.  His presence remains at all times.  Cool part about our Leader. . .He placed all we need to know in one simple Book.  Any questions concerning character, direction, rules or support can be found through one source – our Bible.  Dust it off, open it up and delve into Truth.

Navigating through this life may come with difficulty from time to time.  It depends on the mix of characters represented and the emotions stirring inside due to surrounding situation.  We often operate according to the current emotion.  If feeling rambunctious, we tend to fly off the handle and reach for instant gratifications found IN this world; if feeling sullen, we may sit quietly at home, digging deeper into a depressed state; if feeling irritable, we may take everyone in our path down with us.  Regardless, God adjust to these emotions and He realizes our flesh will feel such things.  It matters what we do with these emotions God placed inside that counts.  He pays close attention, making His presence known more so than before.  Since warnings did nothing for us to remain focused on Truth and following His example, He moves in a little closer.  He grabs our hand, sits next to us or walks in front so we may follow His footsteps. 

His presence alone should be enough to quiet our emotions, contain our actions and help us focus on the prize which lay ahead.  No words needed, just His presence which fulfills every need and brings peace in any storm.  His presence never ceases.  We must remember, He always watches over us and walks with us through this world.  He is our Leader and we must follow through any season of life.  So, when you think no one is watching and you begin to let the emotions control your actions. . .remember His presence remains.  Filter those emotions through Him and let Him provide the example of how to act.  In the midst of any situation, His presence is enough.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig