MISSING IN ACTION

It's been a few weeks since I've blogged. Why? I have been pondering that question. I think I have let life get in the way of living. Now that sounds silly doesn't it? We go to work, run errands, see friends, go to church, dispatch house chores, pray, hang with friends, sleep, watch TV, Google, and participate in a small group. How does life get in the way? --that is life. Nope there's an element missing that makes all the other things doable, more enjoyable, relieves stress and gives you a peace that surpasses all understanding. Got it? Yep, quiet time with God. If you want to know someone better what do you do? You spend time with them, talk to them and listen, patiently listen. Our quiet time should not be a daily appointment with God but a visit with our closest friend. Good relationships need time together. My quiet time affords me a greater understanding of God's word, heals me spiritually and emotionally. This time alone with God prepares me for daily life - its struggles, its joys and its simple pleasures. It helps me write this blog, love my cranky neighbor, and appreciate my many blessings.

OK you're thinking if quiet time with God is so great why haven't I been doing it? Ah, that is the $64,000 question (Google it) or in today's economy the $500,000 question.

Since our return from Haiti, I've been out of sorts -- going through the motions of my life a little like a bit actor in a walk-on role. Yes, it's true I did come back ill, injured and exhausted and my time there was disconcerting and troubling. But it was more than that. I was upset with God. So rather than go to Him and talk it out, I gave Him the silent treatment. Oh that works. However, God being God patiently waited. He knew I would come to my senses. I did and God rewarded me tremendously.

So if your life is getting in your way of spending quiet time with God…borrowing a phrase from Nike and following the example of Jesus....

Just do it!

"Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray'" (Matthew 26:36).

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (Mark 1:35).