Being consistent in having my Quiet Time has always been a struggle for me...namely because of my pride and idol of sleep. Last fall my mom and I attended a Saturday seminar at a local church that was devoted to this simple but oft neglected spiritual discipline. It really was the kick in the pants that I needed.
As always, we encounter seasons, that suddenly seem so full that this is the first thing to go...uh, guilty! Whether the busyness is imposed upon us, or self-imposed, the tendency (at least for me) is to justify that extra half hour of sleep, veg time at the computer or nose in a book during naptime. I claim it's for my sanity... :-P
This post is not to inflict guilt on all of you out there--just to share where I'm am in all of this. Which is under fresh conviction. I've been reading this little book called "Shopping For Time: How To Do It All And NOT Be Overwhelmed" by Carolyn Mahaney and her 3 daughters. It's an easy read in that it's only about 80 pages, very practical, with firm (aka "kick in the pants") but grace-filled encouragment.
I highly recommend this book, because their content and phrasing really emphasize a gospel of grace while clearly communicating "let's be real ladies--what is most important?!" Here are two quotes that have hit me between the eyes and encouraged me to press on.
'Referring to Bible reading and prayer, author John Piper offers this advice:
"I earnestly recommend that it be in the early morning, unless there are some extenuating circumstances. Entering the day without a serious meeting with God, over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons. The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart...We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer."'
'We think that we can effectively manage our time, walk carefully, and flawlessly [make the best choices], independent of sitting at the Savior's feet. We're like a little child who wants someone to watch him create a masterpiece or conquer an endeavor. "Look at me," he'll say, "I can do this all by myself!" It's cute when children assume they can create or accomplish something all by themselves. However, it is altogether different and more serious if we conclude that we can grow in godliness, conquer sin, or spend our time wisely all by ourselves...sitting at Jesus' feet [rightly] says to God: "I need you!"'
If interested, check out the book here: ttp://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Resources/Resources.aspx
3 comments:
Hi, I'm back online and enjoyed your post. For a while, I was doing my devotions while the boys took their first nap. This worked great since I was up multiple times at night. However, as they slept through the night more, I found myself increasing using that time to do other things first, and then I'd feel rushed during my devotions.
After I read that book I felt like I should try putting off showering first thing before the boys get up and do devotions instead. I've been getting up between 6-6:30 to do this. I love that time and feel much more refreshed to meet the day. Now I may have to even get up earlier because the boys' schedule is changing again, and I think I need to have my devotions AND be showered before the boys are up. Hmmm. I may be joining the 5:30 club.
I'm always humbled when I consider others' situations. I won't say how late my daughter sleeps--it may be a source of jealousy. Suffice it to say, she spoils me and I'm just plain lazy most mornings. What has been working in this season is grabbing a shower and doing my QT's before she's up. I know this is bound to change at some point, and I'm trying to ready my heart for that.
I've been wanting to read this book, but can't find the time...HA!! :)
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