“Your presence is requested.” We’ve all received invitations that began with that clause—a more formal way of saying, “Please show up!” In a broader sense, our “presence,” our “showing up,” in a certain place at a certain time, is a gift, perhaps a priceless gift, we give to others. “Being there” for them—to celebrate a success, bear witness to a struggle, provide support and encouragement during a rough time, or even just making time “to be” with them—can make our own lives, as well as theirs, more fulfilled and meaningful. And, conversely, their presence, their “being there” for us, may be a gift we appreciate and cherish all the days of our lives and for which we could never thank them enough. This Thanksgiving weekend 2024, members and friends of our TPUUF community will share their gratitude for being a giver and/or receiver of the “gift of presence.”

Topics: Soul Matters Themes