Are You “All” There?
Are You “All” There? If not, where are you?
I stumbled upon this quote a few months ago as I mindlessly perused hundreds of images on Pinterest. This one stuck out. I love quotes & I often find the simpler the better.
This one is a gem.
I have had these words tumbling over and over in my mind since finding it and it is changing how I live.
This quote caught my attention not only because of the genius within it, but because of the voice behind it. Many of you probably remember the story of Jim Elliot, I’ve grown up listening to my mom tell me about him. But in case you aren’t familiar, here’s why seeing his name made me pause:
In 1956, Jim Elliot set out with 4 other men to travel into the jungles of Ecuador with the goal of reaching the dangerous Waodani tribe to share the gospel with them. After a few brief but friendly encounters with two of the tribe members the 5 men began anxiously planning a visit to the tribe’s village. However, before they were able to do so they were attacked by the tribe and were all killed. Jim Elliot was married, had a small daughter, and lost his life for the Lord at the age of 28. He had the opportunity to lead a safer life in the States but felt Ecuador and the Auca people were where he should be. His heart was “all there” with these people and after his death, his wife, Elizabeth Elliot and daughter Valerie remained behind with the Auca and brought the belief in Jesus to the entire tribe.
This quote, “wherever you are -” hit me. I’m in the present, I’m in “right now” and I’m rarely completely -heart, mind & soul – present. This idea has caused me to take steps that have opened up new and refreshing challenges before me. Here are some of the ways I’ve been living this out:
– Fully commit to something. I’ve attended my home church, Bethany Church in Long Beach, CA my entire life and found that I fluctuate between seasons of involvement and detachment. I recently started attending a new young adults ministry there and while I’ve been stand-offish for the past few years I decided (because of this quote) that I was going to be “all there” and am finally getting involved in ways I didn’t anticipate for myself.
– Engage with the people in front of you. Being in an iPhone family I have found out how easy it is to disengage with the people around you in favor of checking your phone. Last Sunday we had a big family dinner at my parents house and instead of falling into my normal mode of operation by pulling my phone out I engaged my grandma in a great conversation that led to pulling out old albums and learning some great family history. I was in the moment with her and I will never regret that time.
– Be intentional about feeling and experiencing. I love seeing the fireworks at Disneyland. I have a pass and for my birthday each year I just want to be camped out on Main Street, USA to see the show. Since my birthday is in December the weather is always a bit iffy but if we’re lucky enough to get a full show I find myself each time trying as hard as I can to realize what I’m doing, “I’m watching the fireworks!”, where I am, “I’m at Disneyland!”, who I’m with, “I’m with my sweet husband!” and why I’m there, “It’s my birthday!”. If I don’t do this then I trail away, get distracted by the talking family in front of me or by the kid on his dad’s shoulders that’s blocking my view of the Matterhorn and I miss the reason I was there – the fireworks.
As you see, my sentimental heart can quickly become carried away and swept into memories from the past that I love reliving and sharing. However, I am also a worrier and often find my mind drifting into future uncertainties and endless question marks.
How can you see this idea being helpful to you in your daily life?
Do you remember Jim Elliot’s story? If so, how has it impacted your life?
18 Comments
What an inspirational quote. Good reminder that you need to be where ever you are.
Thank you so much Amy. I hope you remember these words at a time when they bring you comfort!
Sweet Molly Green Eyes . . .
You are really and old soul. Full of wisdom and hope. I am so blessed to still be part of your life. I have so enjoyed our discussions on life, struggles, the future an “being in the present”. The part about becoming “fully engaged and committed” has encouraged me to write about my life experiences in hopes of helping others. Thank you for your insightfulness in bringing us these words of wisdom. Nicely done!
So kind & sweet. I’m grateful for any encouragement, inspiration, or thought my writing can spark. Thank you for your own words of encouragement. Yes, I think I really am an old soul : )
Molly, I absolutely love this. It is such a great reminder to quiet the mind & be “all there”. Thank you so much for this amazing lesson!
Thank you, Carrie! It’s so nice to know that others can be encouraged by my ideas & words. I’m really glad you enjoyed this post.
I am so impressed with the overall quality of this blog – kudos to all the writers. But, Molly, this specific post touched me deeply. Being “fully present” – mindful living – is an art, and a joy. It enhances the quality of life. That’s what disturbs me most when I see people doing one thing (walking across the street), while talking on the phone, or checking their email on their phone, or…otherwise NOT being “all there”!
I’ve subscribed to the blog, and will look forward to new posts – and will certainly use this as a model when I talk to funeral home owners about the “deeper connections” they can forge with a “blog of quality”!
Oh, one more thing – I want to see a picture of the “humble data entry girl” – no iconic heads! Let’s see the face in front of the mind!
Kim! I love your enthusiasm! Thanks for being a follower as well as for the encouraging words regarding this post. I am so glad that this held meaning for you and resonated in your life. It’s nice to know that we’re not alone in noticing this trend of “social absence” that seems to be happening despite the notion that we are supposedly communicating more than ever.
Thank you again for your comment, it means a great deal to me.
I also posted a little picture of myself just for you! Thanks for the push!
Molly, This has been one of the many personal favorite quotes in my mind for many years. What Jim Eliot did was add the word “ALL”. That word is important. It emphasizes the requirement to question yourself as to the extent of your involvement in the now. Oh, the joy of relationships, conversations, walking with someone you care about, sharing a meal or cup of coffee, when you are ALL there. I just returned from the funeral of my dear brother in law, Wayne. I delivered the eulogy on behalf of the family. The man went to coffee countless times a week with many people. Though he was older and no longer pastor of a church, that coffee table was his church and he was ever the gentle, humble listener, with the heartiest genuine laugh which I am sure surfaced at all the right moments. Wayne is my perfect personal example of someone who was always “all there” for everyone. The calls, comments and overflowing service was testimony as to how huge his impact was. We can all have that same impact if we will just stop and be “all there”. Thanks for the reminder.
Anne, what a beautiful description of your brother-in-law. He sounds like a very special, rare and wondrous man. The idea of the coffee table being his church is so significant to me as I’m hoping, trying and praying for chances to minister to people wherever they are – and a lot of the time, that’s not IN a church. What a privilege to know someone that has made such a sweet difference and who you can say lived as Jim Elliot did, “all there”. I’m blessed to know you Anne & blessed still by your brother-in-law’s faithfulness to people and the Lord.
Thanks for sharing.