May 2 | Be Present While You Can

Today’s reading from 1 Kings 12–13 and Luke 22:1–30 invites us to reflect on how quickly hearts can drift and how awareness, presence, and attentiveness are formed over time. These passages place us in moments where decisions are made, relationships are shaped, and direction is set, often revealing how easily people move without fully considering what truly matters.In 1 Kings 12, Rehoboam responds harshly to the people rather than listening with wisdom, leading to the division of the kingdom. Jeroboam then establishes alternative places of worship, creating systems that pull people away from God’s design, and in 1 Kings 13, a man of God is sent to confront this disobedience, yet even he is eventually led astray because he does not remain attentive to what God originally said. Together, these chapters highlight how quickly distraction, pressure, and misplaced trust can lead people away from faithfulness.In Luke 22:1–30, we see the growing tension leading to Jesus’ arrest, including Judas agreeing to betray Him, while at the same time Jesus intentionally gathers with His disciples for the Passover meal. In that setting, He speaks about His coming suffering, breaks bread, shares the cup, and establishes a new covenant, all while the disciples struggle with misunderstanding and even argue about greatness. Jesus remains present, steady, and relational, even as everything around Him is moving toward the cross.Together, these passages invite us to notice the pace of our own lives, the voices we listen to, and the people we are with each day. They encourage us to slow down, remain attentive to God’s voice, and be present in the moments we have, recognizing that formation happens quietly over time through what we choose to notice and value.