Life is full of movement. Between work, wrestling, swimming, and jiu-jitsu with my boys, the days are packed. The schedule is relentless, yet I cherish the time spent together through these activities. But there’s something uniquely special about those quiet moments after the hustle when I ask, “Boys, do you want a boys’ night?” Almost without fail, they excitedly agree, and we head to Applebee’s.
It’s not about the food. Sometimes, I don’t even think the boys are that hungry. But they love to be there—to just sit, talk about their day, reflect on practice, and simply enjoy being with their dad. In those moments, I realize how much our relationship isn’t about what we do but about just being together.
Psalm 46:10 reminds us to be still and know that He is God. Just as my boys find peace and joy in simply being with me, we, too, are invited to step away from the busyness of life and rest in God’s presence. He longs for us to pause, not to accomplish or perform, but to know Him more deeply.
Isn’t that how our relationship with God should be? So often, we fill our lives with obligations, responsibilities, and even good things, yet we rarely step away just to be with our Heavenly Father. In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits the home of Mary and Martha. Martha is busy with preparations, while Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet. When Martha complains, Jesus gently tells her that Mary has chosen the better thing—simply being in His presence.
God doesn’t just want our service; He wants our fellowship. Like my boys at Applebee’s, we don’t always need to come to Him with a list of needs. Sometimes, we just need to sit with Him, talk, listen, and rest in His love.
What would it look like to step away from today’s busyness and have a “Father’s night” with God? Maybe it’s turning off distractions for a moment of prayer. Perhaps it’s taking a quiet drive in His presence. Whatever it is, know that He delights in simply being with you.
Lord, in the midst of life’s busyness, help us to pause and simply be with You. We don’t want to just serve You—we want to know You. Draw us into Your presence, that we may rest in Your love.
So I ask, if spending time with loved ones brings us so much joy, how much more fulfilling could it be to spend intentional time with our Heavenly Father?
Frank D.