Encouragement
I wasn't really certain where I would end up on that particular morning, I just got into the jeep with a sack lunch, a notebook, and my Bible and headed out - leaving my things to get done, undone. It was early and the only thing I knew was that I was going to be QUIET and led by the Holy Spirit. I drove for about 30 minutes and felt prompted to pull into a park along the Wenatchee River. It looked like a great spot for my scheduled QUIET. It wasn't like it was never QUIET in my home... I mean I do take some time each morning to be alone with God where most often I read a portion of scripture, pray and journal. I had just never done any extended, planned QUIET time to where I promised myself that I was going to be alone- no phones or computers. I chose to be undistracted by life and sit for a longer period of time to simply watch for and listen to anything the Lord needed to impress upon my heart. Although I do enjoy leisure "me" time in the QUIET, this was different. I craved this time more than an intense hunger craving and knew I needed it. So in a sense, it was like a QUIET day-cation with God, NOT a vacation! I enjoy talking with people so I knew this could be a challenge if the park got busy! I sat on a park bench near the water and simply took in the view of the beautiful Columbia River. The sun and the way it's reflection cast across the water began to lure me to reflect a bit. My husband and I had just dropped my daughter off at college, so I knew this time would be beneficial to me as my emotions were a little caught up in contemplating the questions - So now what, Lord? It's going to be so QUIET without her. I spent a lot of time in prayer - praising God, pouring out my heart, waiting in QUIET and listening. I read some scripture, recorded some thoughts in my journal, but mostly I sat in the QUIET. I spent more time gazing than I had in a while. What a soul soothe the QUIET was. God reminded me of so much in those 7 hours I spent along the river. At one point I waded in and sat on a large rock to cool off. The crystal, clear water allowed me to notice all the beautiful, small golden flecks nestled amongst the rocks at the bottom. Some children, giggling, entered the water beside me to cool off as well - I kept my promise to be QUIET and refrained from speaking! Thank heavens they didn't ask me anything or I might have caved and spoke - I smiled and watched them play. Life is so busy, filled to the brim with activity- all good things perhaps! The list varies, but our schedules fill each minute of every day with everything from work, to home life and responsibilities, to service and leisure. Sometimes we don't think we have time to add anything else, but I think what I took notice of was that I was in charge of setting my schedule and how much more of my heart the Lord still wanted - He needed to more consistently be my first priority. Time with Him is certainly never wasted. I said a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for my extended time with Him in the QUIET as I prepared to drive home. I didn't have any new, earth shaking revelation, but felt rested and certain that the Lord had what He wanted from me - my undivided attention. He aligned my thoughts and will to His ways and was like a salve to my unsettled heart. I acknowledged more fully a new season in life - my empty nest. New seasons bring different opportunities, so I embraced being on watch for new things and new people the Lord would bring into my life as I journeyed on along the way.
Reflection:
In scripture Jesus retreats to be alone with God to pray on several accounts. One of them in Mark 6:30-31 NIV says - The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then because so many people were coming and going that they didn't even have a chance to eat and Jesus said come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. I know what this says to me. I don't know how it translates for you, but for me it means I need to spend alone time with God to get my mind in tune and will aligned. Often I won't find the time, but I can work toward making some steps to schedule some time, even if occasionally it is extended time. It doesn't say how long that time should be for us, but I know that I don't want to get to the end of my numbered days and tell God I was just too busy- no way! What about you?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, your words for us today and always- Come with me by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest. Prompt us to schedule that time as we would any appointment. Thank you for showing us the way! Your love for us exceeds anything we will ever know. You give us rest, then send us back out.
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