As time flies by I am left catching my breath, do you know what I am talking about? I am sure you do because in this fast-paced world we live in, it seems to get faster the older we get. I feel as if I have to schedule a time to breathe.
And in saying this, I find myself in a new time of adjustment for me…the empty nest. My older son is 19, and my younger one is turning 18 in a few weeks. Both graduated from high school, are employed and contemplating future careers. They need me less and less as they get older, and that is only natural, as is the empty nest syndrome.
So my time of football games and skateboard parks has past and now my time is spent with a sixty-hour work week, two Bibles studies per week, volunteering at the Salvation Army, and writing. I fill my life so full I am left breathless, chasing the moment to avoid the ache that fills my heart with my sons apart from me. Then I find an emptiness in my heart directly related to the lack of quality time with my Father.
I stop to reflect and to know that even in the good things I fill my life with, I need to slow down so that I can focus on my relationship with Him. To sit and listen to Him speak.
In studying His Word tonight, I came to Matthew 11:25 (NLT) At that time Jesus prayed this prayer “Oh Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever and for revealing them to the childlike.”
It is my prayer that I don’t become wise and clever in my own eyes or the eyes of others. I pray for a constant humbleness because I find when I am not spending devoted time with my Father, I am lacking. I am thankful His grace brings me back into the shadow of the Cross and the revelation of the need to be obedient to His Truths.
You can’t obey if you don’t know the Truth. You can’t understand the Truth without devoting quality time to studying, praying, and spending time in His Presence. I ask you to reflect upon the following.
Have you taken on too much activity, leaving you exhausted and disconnected with the One who loves you more than anyone on earth? Or has the Creator of life given you your life back by slowing you down?
I really needed to hear this today. God is truly using you to encourage others. Praying for you.ML
Thank you Mike, you and Ame are a true blessings to me and many others! Love y'all and sending prayers yall's ways.