Took My Breathe Away
“The errand needed to be run” or so I told myself. Not wanting to miss out on any special time my family was having in the mountains this past weekend, I hurried. I knew there were treasured moments yet to be created that day. Thinking of all we might do, I sped down the mountain. That’s when the sight took my breathe away — the police officer’s lights! Really? Of all days!
That morning, I had sped through everything. My shower; I had left with my hair still wet. My breakfast; cold cereal was quicker than my normal oatmeal. My time with Jesus…instead of lingering in His Word, I chose to speed through a quick devotion. I got it in, right?
I should have practice the wisdom of Martin Luther, “The busier I am; the more I pray.”
My ticket was a reminder that life is not to be sped through, especially not in my relationship with Jesus. If I am going to fully enjoy my family, experience the best of His creation or get the most out of this summer, the best way for me is by slowing down and lingering with Him first thing.
And what better way for us to model to our kids each morning as they wake up…seeing their mom reading her Bible. My mom did it for me. For my sake and their’s, I need to start my day sitting with Jesus.
“My heart says of you, “Seek his face! Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8
Oh Lynn, how I relate, especially after graduating my firstborn son who is off to Iowa State in the fall and my 16-yr twins getting their licenses and off to summer jobs! I feel as if I am in the middle of the whirlwind and my devotional time is dwindling in it’s priority. I need to really be “prayed up” to stay in the Word and Worship and not let my parenting become “idolatry”. (Loving my children first then God) Jonathan Edwards wrote “The one concern of the devil is to keep the saints from prayer. He fears nothing from prayer-less studies, prayer-less work, prayer-less religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray. I try to visualize the evil one trembling constantly while I cover my teens in prayer. And I like to remember the adage–If the devil can’t make you bad, he will try to make you busy.
Thanks for the encouragement–Jane
That’s a powerful quote, Jane! Thanks for sharing! (By the way, I’m from Iowa 🙂 Grew up in Cedar Falls!