In January I read a book called, “Managers of Their Homes” by Steve and Terri Maxwell. It was a great book. I hope to someday share what I have learned. For the past few weeks since I finished the book I have been trying to put together a schedule that would work for our family. With 4 different ages/stages, a husband who comes home for lunch, and the needs of the house I just couldn’t get a schedule together that would work. It seemed like there were always one or two pieces of the puzzle that didn’t fit. But I kept trying and praying. My husband would often look at me and laugh when I was surrounded by a pile of lists (BTW – I love making lists!)!
I was trying so hard to put together a schedule so I could take the idea to him and get his counsel on what he would like me to change. He has so much stress in his life with work and things that I try to do as much on my own and not bother him. But I reached a point of complete frustration and Saturday I just poured out my heart and my frustration to him.
As I poured my heart out to him he graciously listened. Then it amazed me – in 10 minutes - just 10 minutes he put together a schedule that I am so excited about (and I’m running by today!). It’s been PERFECT! I don’t know how he did it. I read the book, I had spent HOURS thinking, writing, planning and still couldn’t get it, and he in 10 minutes had it all figured out. If I would have just asked him weeks ago. . .
As I thought about this throughout the night last night (the baby was all stuffed up and was up twice in the night), I began thinking about how so often that is how I am with the Lord. I try so hard to do things on my own and when I can’t figure things out then I go crawling to the Lord who immediately knows what to do. If I would just learn to run to Jesus first. To cling to Him daily.
This begins (I’ve discovered the hard way) by spending time each day worshiping at His feet. For each of us the timing will be different, but for me if I don’t get up before everyone else it’s most likely NOT going to happen and if it does I’m not able to concentrate very well. When I begin my day by pouring my heart out to Jesus it goes so much smoother. I can handle the difficult things that come. Not that life isn’t difficult, but I’m going through the difficult things sheltered by the everlasting arms of the Lord.
“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:
and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.”
Deuteronomy 33:27
As I read through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) I see over and over again how Jesus spent time early in the morning with His Heavenly Father. Jesus – God the Son – living as a man on earth, gave us the example of the importance of spending time with the Father daily. Jesus’ days were busy. Filled with many people pulling on and needing Him. Jesus never had a moment to Himself (mothers – does this sound familiar???). Yet despite all of the needs of everyone (meeting them probably late into the night), He still got up early in the morning to spend time with His Heavenly Father – getting recharged spiritually.
So I once again have been taught to run to Savior (and my husband) right away instead of trying so hard to do things in my own strength!
Psalm 5
To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.
Give ear to my words, O Lord;
consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you do I pray.
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil may not dwell with you.
The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
You destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in the fear of you.
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
For there is no truth in their mouth;
their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave;
they flatter with their tongue.
Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover him with favor as with a shield.
