My quiet place of rest during those months was a worn out recliner. I had stacks of books on one side and my laptop on the other. With distractions at a minimal, I was able to drink deeply into the word of God. I gained a new appreciation for how important it was to spend time with the Lord each day. (I wouldn't trade those days for anything)
Life beginning to return to normal, I am back at work, I have household responsibilities clamoring for my attention and errands that need to be done. Previously I was a person who loved to fill her "white space" with all kinds of activities, if it sounded good, I did it, very seldom did I seek the Lord in my choices.
I have now become very intentional. I am seeking the Lord's guidance when I make decisions concerning my schedule. Could my time be better spent in some instances? Remember my children are grown, so I don't have that responsibility.
One of the things the Lord has laid on my heart was to put him in my schedule...beyond my regular quiet time. Find a quiet place on a regular basis that I could spend an extended period of time before him, praying, reading, listening. I am in a season of life that I can do this...I have no excuse not to. I don't want status quo...I don't want to pick up my life where I left off...I want much more.
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." Psalm 1:1-3
5 comments:
Beautiful thoughts here, Maryann! I have a chronic disease that sometimes flares up and is quite debilitating. Some of my most precious times with the LORD were in a recliner doing those very things you mentioned. And, I too, wouldn't trade those moments, extreme pain and all, for anything. God bless you, my sweet sister!
MaryAnn, I love the beautiful picture of that bench. Just looking at it makes me feel more relaxed. We all need those quiet places to think, reflect and heal.
I'm so glad you found my blog today as it gave me a chance to meet you, catch up on your blog and learn a little of your journey. I love the title of your blog as it is one of my favorite hymns. I, too, spent many hours in my well-worn recliner during those days of chemo and radiation. I've learned so much through this journey, but most of all, I've learned that everything that He takes or gives us is from His hand so precious, and that as a child of the Heavenly Father, I am always gathered in His arms, kept in safety, and that He will see me through! It was so good to be here today!!!!
Love this post...love the bench...love the reminder! I, too, have never been a "white" space gal, but now I find myself leaving large chunks open on the calendar...just because!
Have a blessed Easter!
Oh how your word encourage me! I have been suffering increasingly from chronic pain for the past 3 years and so much of my life changed dramatically. At first I lamented it almost DAILY...and now I am seeing myself and HIM different and learning to be thankful for this journey that He has me on.
Thank you for your words...your heart...your honesty here...
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