BEWITHNESS… It’s not a real word, but it’s a fantastic one. Our very own Coach Gilkeson made up this word in a text last week as he invited a group a men to join together early for breakfast. He said that there was no agenda except BEWITHNESS, that is, it was to be a time of community, fellowship, laughter, and togetherness. How beautiful is that!
I think that we could all use a little more BEWITHNESS, particularly in our families. The problem is, of course, that there’s a lot that gets in the way. We’re all so, so busy. I don’t think that’s accidental. The enemy comes to kill and destroy, and it’s evident that people in isolation are much more vulnerable than those in community. Is it any wonder that being busy is the sacrament of the god of this age?
Contrast that to Jesus, who says that His followers will be known by their love for each other. How better to begin the journey towards loving each other better than to be with each other – to take time for BEWITHNESS.
Maybe it’s establishing a dinner tradition with the family or a regular BEWITHNESS time with some close friends. Maybe it’s calling our aging parents. If we’re not intentional about these things, other things will certainly devour our time.
CS Lewis, in his work The Great Divorce, portrayed hell as a place where you could have anything you want, but you were alone, driven to isolation, without community and at odds with everyone. Though it was written in England eighty years ago, this depiction of hell sounds all too similar to many of our experiences with the American dream.
Work and achievement are not bad things. Neither is the American dream. It’s just that they’re not ultimate things, and when we sacrifice ultimate things on their altar, we come away poorer.
If this resonates with you, maybe it’s time for a realignment. Who do you need to make time for BEWITHNESS with today?
