The Gift of Presence

Today, Jan 2, is my dad’s birthday.

He’s in his early 80s, living in Zimbabwe—so popping by isn’t an option. We usually talk every Sunday afternoon, but today my daughter and I called him from the car.

It was a simple call. A normal call.

And afterward, I felt that familiar ache: I wish I could do more.

But here’s the thing about fathers in their 80s…

At that point, they pretty much have everything they want.
And even if they didn’t—it wouldn’t change what they really crave.

Presence.

If he had the whole world, he’d still want family time.
If he had nothing, he’d still want family time.

So what do you give someone who has everything?
You give them yourself.

And then it hit me:

This is how it is with God too.

What do you give the One who made everything—who lacks nothing?

Our presence.

Not our performance.
Not how well we sing.
Not how polished our prayers sound.

He doesn’t need our output.
He wants our with-ness.

That’s why Jesus came—not to make God tolerable, but to make God accessible. Face-to-face. Heart-to-heart.

So this year…

Let’s give God the gift He’s always wanted.

Run to Him.
Climb into His lap.
Look into His eyes.
And stay there long enough to remember you’re loved.

Happy New Year. 🤍