~ Richard Foster~
Oh, does my heart long to have a wilted bouquet of dandelions from our son. To tell you the truth — I never got flowers from our kiddo — or did I? Can you just imagine how God feels when we sing praises to Him? When we come to Him with a thankful heart.
This past Sunday I had an unexpected “down-time” — I used it to just sit and thank God for His goodness. You see, I went to the store, but didn’t take my house-key (I never do on the weekends, because my Sweetheart is home)…Well, our son needed a ride to work. When I returned home, I stood before a locked house. I didn’t get up-set, but saw it as an opportunity to just enjoy a few minutes (actually 20 minutes) to just sit and be quiet before me Lord. It was wonderfully refreshing. And soon I was praising Him for the wonderful cool weather, the home He has given me, the family and friend He has surrounded me with…
So, why does it take a locked door in order for me to take a ‘time-out’ to just sit and be quiet? Yes, my life is busy, very busy actually. When I was sitting in front of our home, I made a conscious decision: Take ‘time-out” on a daily basis — just sit and enjoy the company of God. How about you? Do you take time-out from the busyness of your life? Believe me, it is worth it! It is rejuvenating and God celebrates…
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV)
This is such a great post–I’ve been convicted lately by God to slow down and spend more times in quiet, relaxation, and meditation. I’m too much of a busy bee to slow down sometimes, especially living in Silicon Valley, where it’s accepted to always be crazy-busy. Thanks for the reminder!
Camy
20 minutes of peace sound do-able. I hope I don’t have to be locked out of my house to make it happen though! :~) Thanks for the encouragement!
Very beautiful window into your tender heart 🙂 May I remember to take a Time Out with my God every day!
Thanks for the reminder to slow down. A constant battle for me since I think I must always be busy.
Iris, it has to be a “God thing!” or else HE’s trying to tell ME something. Check out my post today. Your words are so encouraging!
Blessings to you today.
I love that you saw it as an opportunity rather than an aggrivation. When something unexpected comes up that slows us down or alters our plans, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could take advantage of the side trip and just see what the Lord has for us instead of what we’d planned?
Lovely thoughts, Iris!
Amen. So true “why does it take a locked door?” I ask myself that so many times. I know I need to do the same. Blessings.
What a testimony that you can say you were not aggravated but used it as time to spend with the Lord!
Thank you for sharing!
Sunydazy
Since I am retired now, I can have this luxury and I am happy about that !
If ever you are interested to read about my trip to Turkey, it’s in my travel blog
http://painting-cats-travelling.blogspot.com/
Ohhh, so very well written. Thank you for sharing about your Locked Door. We sure all need these Locked Door Moments – DAILY.
Can’t you just hear God saying sometimes “BE STILL, CHILD!” Your response is telling, Iris….it says quite a lot, actually. Many of us (me?) would’ve seen the frustration and aggrevation, not the opportunity. I try to keep a bible in our car at all times for “opportunities” like this…you just never know when you’re going to get stuck in traffic….or sidetracked…or locked out ;).
“Busy” is a four-letter word, you know :).
“Take ‘time-out” on a daily basis — just sit and enjoy the company of God.”
Yes, yes, YES!
Been thinking on these thoughts and working them through… and seeing change in my life as I work on the “1000 List”–things I love that God has graced me with…
Thank you, Iris… as always,
Ann
Looking for moments throughout the day to just be with God. I love it. Thanks for a great post!
Very interesting that something that would make almost everyone else throw a fit would allow you to put that priority in the forefront! Then again, you always have a very unique way of looking at things and I usually learn a lot from your posts.
It’s so true. It takes so much effort to grab a hold of a moment of reflection.
One of the things I am making a habit in my daily routine is to take the time for God. I think about him all day long but I take a portion of my morning to focus on his word and having a heart to heart! It sure has made a huge difference in my day and in my life!
Wonderful posting! I posted yesterday also but am late getting around to all the others! Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!
I’m a mother of three kids and I can relate to you How busy we can be. With your post It reminds methat I sometimes need to take a time out. Thanks for a wonderful post.