Have you ever had a period in your life when you had more questions than answers? I'm not trying to be philosophical, or scary, I just have a lot of questions right now. I have said for years, that I do better if I don't 'turn on the news' in the morning...it ruins the rest of my day. Well, it is true.
However, since we have settled in to our new home, I have turned on "Morning Joe" more often than not. I think I have a responsibility to be somewhat informed about the happenings in the world in which I reside....but I must hold all that information in tension with what I know to be true of my God. If I intend to be sane this side of the grave, I have found that before I turn on the news, whether it is from our TV, or the Internet, I must meet with My God. I do this in the pages of His word, and through my prayer life.
Today is a busy day of prayer for me. I found out on FaceBook that a tragedy happened at one of our family member's home over the week end. Another tragedy happened in the lives of some of our friends in Southern Illinois. I also find my thoughts returning throughout the day to the situation unfolding at my school, and my dear friends that are on the front lines, sorting that all out.
In each of these times, I am reminded over and over how fragile life is, and how we should treasure every breath. Of course, in our culture there seems to be a push to live life as quickly as we can, to get as much 'done' as possible before the next 'thing'....
When we rush through life, however, we do not have time to appreciate the relationships or the blessings that we have right in front of us. I hear parents sometimes bemoan the fact that 'their baby has grown up so fast'...and 'the years go by so quickly'...and I look at young moms (and remember being a mom of little children--twice--ten years apart!!!) and it is no wonder!!
When our children are young, we are constantly in the car, taking them to practices, events, functions, lessons or some other appointment! Those are years that, unless you are purposeful with your calendar, time can get away from you in a hurry!
I can remember one hurried day when, getting Alayna and Holly finally in the car, I was not being very nice as I said "Hurry, get in and get buckled up!" Alayna just sat down, so sadly and said,
"I'm really trying, mommy..."...she was only 3...I stopped and cried with her for a minute. Lesson learned--sort of.
As they got older, I didn't care whether my kids played on teams, or were most popular...it didn't matter, because I just didn't want them to rush through being a kid. Soon enough, they become adults, with tons of responsibilities...and if they rush through being a kid, they'll rush through being an adult...never ever stopping to learn to savor the moment, and enjoy. Truly enjoy their lives. (Perhaps the epidemic of sleep deprivation that our country faces is, in part, due to this pace we condition our lives to be, because we must keep up with those around us!--just sayin'!)
Life is a precious gift. It does go by quickly, I know this because I have taken time to listen to people that are over ninety--and many of them live there with few regrets...savor the moment, grieve your losses, take time to actually play, create, pray, eat and savor your relationships....take time to laugh, smile, time to really read and enjoy what is being said...take time to really get to know God while you are here on this earth--it isn't difficult, you must commit to opening His word, and actually being purposeful in your search--for His word says that He will be found by those who seek Him!!!
Back to me and my day, though-- judging from the news this morning, I would have a lot more fun traveling with Hilary Clinton today, as she looks like she had a blast dancing in South Africa!
I must remember, though, God didn't call me to be her, He designed me to be me...and for that I am truly thankful!
And so, instead of dancing in South Africa and saving the world, I'll have fun planning dinner for the twins & Randy, and unpacking MORE boxes!!!! But, you can bet, I will enjoy my day...no matter who is running for president, and what their budget looks like. My hope does not lie in those things, for they constantly change, for we are fickle...And,"I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day!" (2Timothy 1:12)
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