Patiently Present

Hi Sweet Friend,

It’s been quite some time since our last chat. Life’s been…how do I describe it?

Beautifully bumpy 😉.

Anyway, as you know the bumpiest of blessings can bring some of the biggest feelings. Many of which, can feel quite overwhelming, for little minds and big minds alike. So, for today’s post, I’m excited to share one of my favorite ways to cope. Our topic: the art of being patiently present.

In my profession, we use a similar tool called mindfulness. A much-loved skill that involves calming the mind, accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgement, and becoming fully present. Your focus becomes finetuned, as you notice every minute detail, from the swirl of your breath to the prick of the grass beneath your bare feet. The technique fully encompasses five commonly known senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. And now for a brief mini curve. You'll notice I used the words, "commonly known". Did you know humans actually have more than five senses? Definitely a topic for another time. But for our purposes today, we will focus on the five listed above. Hold on tight, round the bend and we're back to mindfulness. By diverting your attention to your senses, mindfulness skillfully enhances your awareness and inner calm.

For those of us who are neurodivergent, mindfulness, while still beneficial, can be particularly difficult. Our minds, often running at heightened speeds, are not accustomed to slowing down. Time itself can quickly become an enemy, as it either disappears into a wordless oblivion or races forward at an unapproachable speed. The very thought of reducing our minds pace can bring on a rush of anxiety and a list of extra to-dos. So, even though mindfulness is renowned for its effectiveness in delivering calm to both, neurodivergent and neurotypical minds. It inevitably falls short. At least in my opinion. Why, you may wonder. Because it is missing one crucial component: God.

When it comes to pesky pent-up emotions, especially in the midst of unprecedented trials, mindfulness is incapable of giving us true rest. The kind of rest we were made to experience. The much-desired, soul nourishing, inner peace, only God Himself can provide.

And so... let me introduce you to, my preferred, carefully thought-crafted (get it… hand-crafted but not...hehe :) phrase, patiently present. Being patiently present is very similar to mindfulness. But instead of making yourself the center of the moment, this powerful way of being brings God to the forefront. Being patiently present, requires more than slowing down, being non-judgmental, and concentrating on five senses. It necessitates being still before the Lord, praising Him for His creations, and reflecting on all He’s done. This way of being, in my opinion, is a true art form because it always reveals a magnificent portrait. One that would otherwise be left unexperienced.

In our fallen world, we have a knack for neglecting this way of being and thereby missing out on so many of God’s gifts. Neurodivergent or not, we rush around as though our lives depend on it. Brimming with unhinged emotions and disheveled feelings. Until the day has left us and our very presence along with it. By the night’s arrival, we are often energy deprived, joy deflated, and stuck in a sprint of thoughts.

Sound familiar?

So how can we exemplify a patiently present way of being? To answer this, I’ve created the acronym PRESENCE.

Pick a place.

• Ideally, an area full of natural beauty. For example, a spot outdoors or near a window with a beautiful view. But any place that allows for quiet reflection and time with God will work.

  
  

Read God’s word.

• Study His word daily, with the purpose of learning more about Him and all He’s done for you.

• Say a quick prayer before you begin, asking for guidance and understanding.

  
  

Enter His presence in stillness.

• Trust Him fully. Let go and wait for God to reveal His perfect plans.

  
  

Slow your breathing.

• Intently focus on the very breath God has given you.

• Take several slow deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth.

• Do this three times or if you are feeling extra motivated, try it for 3 minutes or more.

  
  

Engage your senses.

• Focus on sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. Feel free to narrow your attention to just a few or explore them all.

  
  

Notice the details.

• Patiently examine the world around you with wonder and curiosity.

  
  

Center your prayers on gratitude.

• Give God the glory He deserves, acknowledging the beauty of his creations and thanking Him for all He’s done.

  
  

Embody this way of being.

• Model for your little minds, an unhurried life living for God, instead of one living for self.

To illustrate this with an example, let’s create a short story. Shall we?

Spring has arrived. A long-awaited season, marked by slightly cracked windows, fluttering sheer curtains, and twirling winds. It’s a joyous time of renewal, restoration, and transformation. The most precious of seasons, when the old withers away, in miraculous preparation for the new. Nature beams with excitement as our creator perfectly primes her for what’s to come. Her purpose yet to be fulfilled and an astonishing new portrait, just beginning to pop.

The fresh scent of flowers nudges a young girl awake. She grabs her Bible and trots outside for her, most-loved, time with Jesus. After whispering a quick prayer, she quietly reads, studying her creator with an unquenchable thirst for more. She lets go of the thoughts scrambling to grab her attention and instead breathes deeply. She notices the way her warm breath feels as it whirls in through her nose and out through her mouth. A smile scoots to the side of her cheek as she let’s go of all that needs to be done. Instead, she is still before the Lord, trusting Him to help her do it all, when and if the time is right.

After a bit of learning and a bundle of newfound joy, she eagerly darts across her damp patio and onto the dew-covered grass. The green field ahead, is dappled with an array of white dandelions. A rolling stretch of farmland is nestled at the fields front, lightly crested by a crisp morning shine. The slowly rising sun winks at her from the hills, cradling her cheeks in a familiar warmth. Its subtle sheen tames the brisk morning breeze, powerfully dissolving it into a fragrant wandering whisper. Gazing across the field she examines the half-wilted grass, tangled and trite, still recovering from Winter’s cold grasp. A young willow’s bare but budding branches bounce along the breeze, waving at the young girl from afar. Barefoot and brazen, she takes another step upon the cool, damp grass. She wiggles her toes between the chilled, bent bristles, relishing their silky texture. Cheerful chirps serenade her in soft whistles as she peacefully ambles onward. Vibrant and skillfully scattered baby blooms sprinkle the land in new colorful shades. Floral scents tickle her nose and a sweet billowing breeze wraps her snugly within a gentle hug.

She breathes in this moment, etching it into her maturing mind. Every bit of it. It’s crinkled edges, rough patches, and signs of new growth. A feeling of pure joy and peace overwhelm her senses as she marvels at the natural wonders before her. She closes her eyes, bows her head, and sends another sweet prayer to the Lord. This time she prays a prayer of thanksgiving, for the magnificent new portrait God has graciously given her.

How often we miss these one-of-a-kind portraits as our minds race, unsaddled and focused only on the curves ahead. But how desperately we need these moments with a life centered on Christ.

How often we model for our children, haste, impatience, inattention, and unease. We worry about small details, ponder petty things, and often miss God’s handywork in the process. Unintentionally passing by His place of perfect peace. Living an unhurried, patiently present life, not only soothes our souls, it gives us a greater appreciation for all God has given us.

As for our little minds, we can add a splash of fun. Read a Children’s Bible, Christ-centered picture book, and pray together. Listen to worship or instrumental music, noticing the beauty and harmony of each sound. Or set out a tray of fruit and examine the delicious details of each one's taste. Explore different textures together, using food or everyday objects. Gently brush your fingers across a fluffy blanket, let your heads sink into a plush pillow, or notice the way blueberries feel inside your mouths. Reflect on these and God's provision together, giving Him the credit He deserves. You can also add a twist to one of my beloved childhood games, I Spy. Instead of saying “I spy with my little eye________,” as the familiar phrase goes. Let’s instead say, “I Spy with my bright eyes, _________, a gift that God has given me.” By reframing this phrase to include God and His blessings, we are modeling both a heart of thankfulness and life focused on the Lord.

I don’t know what bumps you are facing, friend. But I do know, our forever faithful God has a plan and He’s given us so many wonderful ways to remain at peace. Listen intently as God rests His hand on your shoulder, caresses your cheek with warmth, and reminds you, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10, ESV).

Until next time,

Christina

After thought of the post:

May we model for our little minds, a patiently present, Christ-centered life. One in which we are no longer defined by what we’ve accomplished, but instead, by what Christ has accomplished for us.

***Even though I am an independently licensed social worker, none of the information provided to you in this blog, within my books or on my website is professional advice, diagnosis or treatment of any kind. These posts are strictly providing general information/education and are not substitutes for professional help. If you find yourself concerned about you or your child's mental health, please don't hesitate to reach out to a qualified mental health provider. All views expressed in this blog are personal and not representative of the social work profession.***

References:

English Standard Version. (2001). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2046%3A10&version=ESV

All written content @2026 by Christina Retherford. All rights reserved. Graphics created using Wix media/Unsplash Images.