Being “all there” in cross-cultural conversation can be challenging. There can be so much psychological noise, y’know? 

You’re wondering, What did they mean by that? Or you’re distracted by a cultural habit (picking one’s nose, I learned, is not frowned upon in all cultures). Or you’re exhausted and telling yourself, Girl, focus.

Real presence with other people—letting love be sincere (Romans 12:9)—actually begins with how we’re present with God. 

Our ability to be truly present with other people—undistracted, wholly there—begins first in having comfort and affection from God (Philippians 2:1-3). He fills our soul’s internal longings and “holes”. We’re able to set aside image-management or hidden agendas (more consuming than being on my phone, if you ask me) to be focused, receiving someone. 

Even more, I’ve been curious as to how present I am in my most central, overarching relationship. The noise in my life chokes God’s presence in my life; my ability to listen. I’m working through these steps to being “all there” with him—and the people I serve.

Jesus accused the Pharisees of being two faced: They “look[ed] beautiful on the outside but on the inside [we]re full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean” (Matthew 23:27). 

Even when I’m alone, the “outside” of my mind can be participating in a spiritual discipline, but the inside isn’t engaged. Rather than bringing those things to God and allowing him to interact with me, I’m putting on–pretending to be there. 

I tend to hide from God, too, what I’m uncomfortable with: Anger. Fear. Sadness. But presence means surpassing my first inclination of shame, of hiding when I’m with God. Jesus is my shame-lifter. 

Presence engaging with him rather than just exchanging information or going through the motions. Do I emerge from my interactions impacted by the Most High God? 

The Psalmist asks for an undivided heart (Psalm 86:11). (My heart can be going in about 167,856 directions at once.) 

I’m just not all there. 

God tells me He’s everywhere. So part of being present with Him, then others? It’s simply to see Him. To be with Him internally, and look for His glory around me—and sometimes, in the person picking their nose in front of me.