Sometime in the early 1990’s I discovered
something that has changed my life. No, it wasn’t salvation, that happened many
years before, 1969 to be exact. This ‘something’ was a lifestyle change-much
like salvation-with far reaching effects.
It was early morning and my alarm clock was
playing one of the Bear’s favorite songs. I chose it because I knew he wouldn’t
want to get up but would be blessed by the words of the song…”I’ve been
arrested by you, take me in, finally captured by you, take me in.” Mr. Romantic
loved the song and what it said.
In those quiet, cool, moments of the day I chose
to leave the warmth of the bed and with my cup of coffee settle into ‘the chair’
in the living room. That day I began a journey that continues to this day.
I have often wondered what my boys and the Bear
thought when Mom chose to get up so early. My youngest, Josh, ran track and
cross country all through high school and each morning I prepared a full
breakfast and a cooler full of lunch before he left for school which meant that
I had to get up no later than 5am. I do know that after a while I couldn’t
imagine life without that time in my day.
I began a time with the Father. Over the years
that time has grown, not in time, but in its importance to my day. Chatting
with a friend the other day I realized that I could probably count on my 10
fingers the number of days that I have not gone to ‘the place’ (now it’s my
dining room table – too many books to fit in my lap). Even on those really dark
days in 2014 when I knew the end was near for Mr. Romantic, I spent those
minutes in His presence.
So just what do I do? I read the Scripture. In the
beginning, truth be told, it was just a lot of words. Now it’s the light of my
life. Each day I find new hope, new joy, new direction, and answers, all in
those amazing words. I might spend a few minutes working through a current
Bible study, preparing for a class but the most comfort and encouragement comes
from the time spent talking with the Father.
Several years ago, I read a book that outlined a
method for prayer – I have used this method since. Some of you reading this are
on my ‘list’ – some of life’s events are too – I seek a Scripture each day as I
read through the Psalms and the book of John that ministers to me that day. Immediate prayer needs that have been asked
of me, top the Prayers on Demand list.
I say all this to encourage you to try to give the
Lord just a little of your time to begin your day. He has not failed to bless
my day – despite the trials, despite the hurts or problems of the day – He’s
always just a thought away because His thoughts are my thoughts.
Lent has just begun. Not everyone is on board when
it comes to giving things up but why not add this? Commit yourself to just 15
less minutes of sleep tomorrow morning. Grab your coffee and the Word and spend
some quiet time before the hurry of the day and talk to the Father. I liken
this time to the tithe. My blessings overflow because I choose to give back to
the Father both my tithe and my time. He will honor your time with Him. He says
He will and He always keeps His promises.
40 days. The Jews wandered for 40 years before
arriving at home. I’m just suggesting 40 days. You can do it. Let me know you
are on board so that I can pray for and with you.
The book pictured takes you through the 40 days
leading up to Easter. It’s available in the library at church – copies are for
sale and we have a couple that you can checkout.
May you be richly blessed and may this be the
beginning of a new way of life for you.
