Undivided Attention

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 NASB)

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines quality time as, “time spent giving all of one’s attention to someone.” All of one’s attention is worth repeating again because that means giving your undivided attention without any distractions in the background. In other words, this might mean you need to turn off the TV or put your cell phone away and engage in meaningful, eye-to-eye contact by really being present in the moment.

In the current pace in which the world runs, this definitely means putting on the breaks and slowing down. In doing this you are communicating that the other person you are with is special and greatly valued. To create a foundation for life-giving relationships, learning how to share your soul with someone whom you are safe with both emotionally and physically is the ultimate aim for the healthiest of relationships. You do that when someone cares enough about you to spend the time with you by both valuing and validating your opinion – allowing you to feel heard and understood. Undivided attention with another equals unconditional love.

Tangible Takeaway:

Use this Tangible Takeaway as a personal assessment and evaluate how you give another your undivided attention. Do you:

  • Put your cell phone down when in conversation?
  • Keep eye contact with another while in conversation?
  • Listen attentively and engage in the conversation?
  • Show empathy (have a nonjudgmental outlook)?
  • Avoid distractions of any kind while in conversation?

Are there any changes that need to be made?

This is an excerpt from We’re Still in This by Susan Goss – a new relationship devotional book released by DaySpring publishing.  Learn more about this book, or shop other books from DaySpring.