2 Timothy 4:11 reveals the human side of the apostle Paul. He was asking for companionship. He recognized that there is great encouragement in being together.

It isn't enough just to be in the same room with someone. A key ingredient in giving your loved one quality time is giving him or her focused attention. Some husbands and wives think they are spending time together when, in reality, they are only living in close proximity. They are in the same house at the same time, but they are not together. A spouse who texts while the other tries to talk is not given quality time, because the one speaking does not have the spouse's full attention.

Quality time means that we are doing something together and that we are giving our full attention to the other person. The activity in which we are both engaged is incidental. The important thing emotionally is that we are spending focused time with each other. The activity is a vehicle that creates a sense of togetherness. Our spending time together in a common pursuit communicates that we care about each other, that we enjoy being with each other, that we like to do things together.

Take time to pray and thank God for creating you with a need for others. Ask the Lord to help you meet that need in others - first with your loved ones and family, and later with others.

Reflect on these questions:

What are the three biggest distractions that keep you and your loved one from being fully present with each other?

What specific steps can you take to minimize those distractions?

What is the best way for you to spend quality time with your spouse?

Consider these passages for further study on companionship:

Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.

I Timothy 5:8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

The great devotional thoughts of Gary Chapman made me think about how I am present in front of others. How do you show your loved ones that you are fully present with them and give them the focus they need?

Sometimes the simple things like smiling, looking at them, and not being on your phone. Asking about things that will show that you care.