Welcome! I hope last week’s sunshine invigorated you as much as it did me, and that you survived Thursday’s rain and Friday’s snow. Spring is only two weeks away. Hold onto that. My mom said she saw six robins on February 28. Whoo-hoo! Their return is a sure sign of spring.
I have been managing a stressful schedule for the past couple weeks. My kids and I have had seven doctors’ and dental appointments. We had three family birthdays between February 23 and March 1. I’ve started cleaning houses part-time and had three days’ work in a row last week– a first since I started cleaning. As I write, I still have to ice a birthday cake, pick my daughter up from volleyball practice, and be ready for a birthday party by 6:15 p.m. Ah!
When I’m overscheduled I have to fight to find time to walk, or rather, since I broke my baby toe three weeks ago, ride an exercise bike. (Could you please pray my toe heals? I really miss my walks. Thanks so much.)
But I have to fight hardest to discipline myself to do my daily devotionals. It seems busyness steals my time with God more effectively than anything else. It’s so easy to prioritize other stuff instead of sitting quietly in God’s presence.
Everyone has different styles of devotional time (some call it quiet time). I read my Bible, pray, and sit quietly, listening for God’s voice. I keep a small tablet in my Bible and jot down what I believe God is speaking to my heart. This discipline is hardest of all.
I remember the first time someone suggested listening for God’s voice when I pray, rather than requesting healing, safety or guidance, and thanking Him for the good things in my life. It took 20 years, but I finally understand what that college freshman was telling me. Being quiet before God has great rewards.
The main benefit is I feel calmer after I commune with God. For someone who battles anxiety and bipolar illness, tranquility is precious. It is a gift from God when I feel truly peaceful. This is a direct result of my communion time with God.
Another blessing is knowing I’ve obeyed God’s will. I know He wants His time with me, just as my children want special time with me. And I am God’s child. Taking time with Him is the most important part of my day.
Spending time with my children and family at large is a very close second. I think many people in the Atlantic community would agree. That’s why we stay here, in an economically weak community: because we love our churches, family, and friends. We have roots here and don’t want to leave. My Dad’s family has lived in the Conneaut Lake, Geneva, Atlantic, and Adamsville communities since the 1700s. Dad’s third or fourth great-grandfather, James McEntire, was Conneaut Lake’s first teacher, and lived on Wolf Island for a time. This community is my family’s home, and spending time with my family means the world to me.
But spending time with God has to take first place in my life if anything I do is to have lasting value. Psalm 27:8 reads, “My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘LORD, I am coming.’” (NLT) I love this verse. I love the idea of God whispering into my deepest heart and stirring me to spend time with Him.
I thought recently about how many changes my future will surely hold. The knowledge that my relationship with God will never end felt like stepping into the sunlight on a cloudy day. Everything in life changes; but God never does. So I will continue fighting my schedule to make sure I spend time with God today. I hope you will, too.
On a totally different note, if you’re interested in cooking for the public, Fallowfield United Methodist is hosting a Cooking for Crowds course on March 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. Anyone from churches, fire departments, booster clubs, or any other non-profit groups who sells food to the public should take this course. It will cover foodborne illness causes, prevention, safe purchasing, preparation, storage and service for crowds, cleaning and sanitizing, planning menus with food safety in mind, and general guidelines for events. The cost is $25 per person or four for $50. Call Allen and Joyce Jacobs at (814) 382-3124 if you’re interested in taking the class. Fallowfield United Methodist is located at 3393 Leach Road, Atlantic.
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!