Earlier in the month I shared about break in running. During the summer months, I would do my devotional time, grab my sneakers and date Jesus on my run. When the mornings changed up due to winter, my routine shook up and changed. I was forced to move my running into the gym. The best time for me to do that was mornings, which meant I needed to get up, get moving and get there so I could "fit it all in" before work.
I realized during this time THAT is exactly what I was doing... trying to fit it all in. Translation: squeeze God in. I was getting side tracked with all of the hellos in the morning, the TV in front of me, chasing songs that motivated me on my ipod and the buzz of the world around me. Where was Jesus in all of it? Standing there waiting for me to say I'm sorry, I need you. I want you and thank you Jesus for not leaving me when I ignore you, but for standing beside me whispering "hey over here... what about me?"
My intentions to "squeeze it all".... squeezed quality time with Jesus right out. Because my desire is HIM, I made the choice to not go to the gym but to soak in Him in the mornings. I wanted a revival in my heart for Him. I wanted HIM to be my mornings. I didn't want to rush through and miss Him. I wanted to be present, be near and to be aware of Him. It took time to return to where we were. Not because of Him, but because of me.
My mornings are rather simple. I wake up, make coffee, make our lunches, prayers with my husband before he goes, prayers with Jesus after he's left and then reading my devotions. I don't willy nilly the messages I feel Jesus wants me to share. I am very much open to this... being HIS. I want the message to be His, I want my heart to be His. I want what is shared to be His.
There have been a few times when I have begun a babble and He has said "no". I pause, stare and the screen and sit quietly.
I read more and allow Him to speak. I never want this time shared to be ME TIME. I want it to be HE TIME.
It is so easy to make Jesus simply a routine. Telling myself "20 minutes in the word and then I'll go do..." knowing I "got'er done"
I don't want to simply get it done. I want to be filled! I want Him to pour His love over me. I want to go deeper with Him. I long for a revival daily!!
Thank you Jesus for sharing my morning with me. For opening my heart to hear you, to opening my eyes to see you and opening my ears to hear you. Thank you Jesus (very much) for those who read this daily and share this journey with us. Thank you Jesus for using me to share You with others.
Dear Jesus, may our hearts seek you daily, not in routine but with excitement of meeting a friend for coffee! Thank you Jesus for always bringing a good book when we meet and for sharing with us your favorite parts! Thank you for listening when we need you and for speaking kindly to our hearts reminding us you are always near.
Thank you Jesus for the friend reading this ~ may they be blessed today. May the burden be lifted. May the hurts be healed, may the finances find balance, the family find peace, may hearts be healed, may Grace be given. Thank you Jesus for allowing us he opportunity to pause and say THANK YOU for one another and the shared journey we walk with you Lord. I pray you whisper over my friends today "I am here" and remind them it need not be a fancy prayer closet for which you meet them, it can be in the shower, in the car, in the bathroom stall at work, in line at the grocery store. You don't mind the where.. You Lord are just glad when they are completely and fully there. Thank You Jesus for walking with us, standing beside us and always having a heart open to receive us. Blessed we are INDEED!