My Time

I read a Hubpage article the other day by Susana s titled How To Find Yourself". It was well written (as usual coming from Susana s.) So thought provoking that I wanted to share my own quiet moments. I have just "gotten away". My wife and I rented a cabin in the Mountains of West Virginia. There were no phones to interrupt nor even any contact with the outside world for a few days. It was great. Some thought we were crazy (actually I'm not so sure my wife didn't think that.) But at the end of the week we were really refreshed.

However we can't afford to do that very often but I really don't need to. I start each morning by logging onto the computer and posting a Bible verse on my Facebook wall. Then I surf over to Our Daily Bread, read the suggested Biblical passage for that day then read the short devotional. Then I spend 10-20 in prayer. Not necessarily petitioning God for anything (sometimes it includes that) but just letting him renew my mind and help me get in a proper attitude for the day. I use that time to draw closer to Him. He knows what the day holds and it is comforting to surrender its outcome to Him. To put a small twist on an old cliche, "I don't know what the day holds but I know who holds the day."

I have heard similar routines touted since I was a kid but must admit I most of my life I have not always adhered to it. But as I have grown older I realize how much happier I am when I do it. How much more peace I have. Too much of my life I have tried being my own pilot without the success I really was striving for.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)

I try to live my life with no regrets but I don't know that is possible. But I know that since I have been devoting this early morning time to cultivating my relationship with God that I have fewer regrets.

I should have learned this from my grandfather who set an excellent example for me. He lived with our family when I was in my middle teens. We didn't have enough rooms in the house for each of us to have a separate bedroom so he and I shared one. His time wasn't in the early morning it was right after lunch. As soon as he finished eating lunch he would go to our room (I respected him enough that I tried to not intrude during this time but sometimes it couldn't be helped.) get out his Bible, read a little then close his eyes, put his head back and meditate on what he had just read. He would alternate between reading and meditating for about an hour. My grandfather was a man of peace, honor and integrity and I know even though he never talked about it that he surely would have attributed it to that quiet time each day.

Jesus said:

Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret... (KJV)

I hope I've learned my lesson. Make that time. It is well worth it.