Embracing Him

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

It’s quiet here and there’s not much on my “to do” list. I’m caught up on all of my laundry, I’ve already started my dinner preparations, the week’s grocery shopping is complete, there’s a minimal amount of housework to be done, and for a most of the day the girls have been playing together…happily.

This will probably sound strange, but not having a long list of things to do makes me uncomfortable. Such a lull doesn’t happen often, but when it does it’s difficult for me to savor the moment. I spend the day fighting a nagging feeling that I’ve forgotten to do something important. I worry that an uncompleted task will rear its ugly head later in the day at the most inopportune time.

My approach to the quiet moments God offers should be better and it’s a concern I’ve been praying about. And now that I have time to think about it, I have an idea as to why today is so peaceful. I think God is working on me and answering my prayers.

Last week, I was listening to Chip Ingram’s radio broadcast Living on the Edge. Since a new year has begun, He was encouraging his listeners to start the year properly. Pastor Ingram stressed the importance of spending quality time with God and then challenged listeners to devote the first 20 minutes of each day to time with God. Pastor Ingram was certain that our days would progress much more smoothly if we did so.

This advice is not new to me.  A couple of years ago when we joined our current church, JT and I took new members classes. In one of the classes the Assistant Pastor taught a lesson on how to get the most out of our days. We were not surprised when he recommended starting each day with a period of devotion with God.

For the past week, I’ve followed the advice of Chip Ingram and our Assistant Pastor. I’ve shifted my devotional time to first thing in the morning. Now before my feet hit the ground running, my knees greet the floor humbly before God. As a result, my days have been better! I’m more relaxed, less stressed, and more focused. My mind doesn’t feel as full and I’m able to see God at work as I complete the day’s activities.

Today, I’m praising God for hearing my prayers, answering those prayers, providing me with peace, and alerting me to the source of this peace. Though I know I shouldn’t be, I’m constantly amazed at the marvelous things that happen when I embrace Him! This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Photo: Courtesy of DijutalTim (Flickr)