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Today the sun is shining. That means my energy level is soaring, thanks to a lovely burst of serotonin. Yes, I’ve set high expectations for myself, this sunny, serotonin-bursting day.
I’m already on my third load of laundry and I’ve got three more to do. While the laundry is doing its thing, I’ll crank out a killer cardio work out, and when that’s done, I’ll play “baby dolls” with my 3-year-old. Then I need to shower and eat before picking up the kiddos from school. I’ve got one child going to see A Christmas Carol with a friend this afternoon, and a babysitter watching the other two. While the sitter is here, I’ve got an eye doctor appointment, a mall appointment, a grocery store appointment and a Christmas postage stamp-buying appointment. When I get home, I need to make Rice Crispy Treats for the 2nd Grade Class Christmas Party and get my three munchkins bathed and in bed.
Productive days. I LOVE ‘em! Tackling the to-do list is a religious experience for this need-for-achievement girl. Today would be a good day to skip my prayer time, would it not? Well, maybe not skip it entirely. Maybe just pray-on-the-go. You know…more efficient prayer. Sing the spiritual Christmas songs on the car radio. Shoot up some quick prayers for the people getting my Christmas cards. Sort of the spiritual equivalent of a granola bar and bottled water. God will understand, right?
One of the most difficult things for me to do—especially on serotonin-bursting, to-do list-tackling days—is to make myself stop and pray. But, ironically, that is exactly what God is calling me to do today. Everyday, actually.
Many years ago when I started seeking Him about hearing His voice more clearly, He revealed to me the value of showing up. Not just when it’s convenient. Not just when I’ve miraculously found the extra hour in my schedule (as IF!).
But Every. Single. Day.
Even when it’s inconvenient. Even when I don’t have time. No, especially when I don’t have time.
"If I fail to spend two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day. I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer.”
~Martin Luther~
I know it doesn’t make sense. But since when does God make sense? I mean that in a good way. No disrespect or anything, but this is also the God who calls us to give away our lives so we can live, give away our wealth so we can prosper, love those who hate us and bless those who curse us. Of course, it only makes sense (or not) that He would also be the God who calls us to stop, pray, read and listen when we don’t have time.
When you make the time to show up, not only will God speak sweet secrets into your heart, but He will also infuse you with power and wisdom to handle your crazy schedule. And then He miraculously increases your time. Or shortens your list. Or makes you more efficient or something. I don’t know how He does it. He just does.
Like I said…He doesn’t make sense. In a good way.
4 comments:
Let me know what your kids think of "Christmas Carol." My husband regretted taking the kids to it. he said it was really dark. My 7 y/o loved it, and my 9 y/o called it a horror movie. Thanks for the reminder to stop and pray!
Truth, sister. Absolute, solid gold truth.
Amen...thanks for the reminder...
God may not make sense (to us, anyway) sometimes. But I'm glad we serve a good God who wants the best for us and gives us a future and a hope.
May we all find time to spend with Him today. (Tall order for me since my day started off with getting to work at 6:45 only to realize I accidentally took my son's car key with me. He needs said keys so he can take his brother to school. I had to drive back home! But I just praised God (after grumbling for a split second) that He saved me or my boys from something when He made me turn around.)
Have a blessed day, sister!
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