“We’re sorry, we are unavailable to answer your call right now, please leave a message after the tone.” Is this ever a frustrating response to get when you are trying to reach someone who is unavailable?

Being available is a good character trait to have. Availability is making your own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those you serve. Make others a priority. Do not just think of yourself.

Availability is a major part of being reliable. People like parents, teachers and friends appreciate it when you are available to do things for them. People also learn to trust you when you are available.

Now we all know you can’t be available 24/7, but it is good to be available when people really need you. If someone asks you to come over and help them study, ask your parents and then make yourself available.

We must also be available to God. He is the one person we must be available to 24/7, because He is the most important person. When we are available to God, He will change our lives in ways we never thought possible.  After all, God is always available whenever we may need him.

But, if someone asks you to do drugs with them – well, you should know the answer to that one. Do not say that you will do something that is wrong just because of peer pressure. Only be available to things that you know are right and that will honor God. Availability is one way that God teaches us to be humble, and it is a way that He shows others that His children have changed.

Putting God and others first is the best way to practice availability. It makes you dependable and trustworthy. People will rely on you. When you are open to others, they will always find their way to you.