When I Take the Time

B&W of Bible, study notes and coffee
Never underestimate the power of quietness. Let me explain. To say my hands are full today is quite the understatement. My hands, pockets, purse, house and heart are full to the brim today. But I love it. I am enjoying taking care of my mom and I'm overcome with a special kind of compassion. That kind of caught me off guard. Double-time caregiving is not for the faint of heart, though, just sayin'! (smiles) It's barely even noon (I know - running late... ), and I'm on a second pot of coffee and need a nap.

What amazes me is when I take the time to just focus on Him for just a few minutes, how He makes it all better. It's funny though, I literally have to "take" the time - it's not handed to me on a silver platter. I have to take that time to find rest in Him. My hands are busy and my heart is full, but when I take a few seconds to acknowledge His presence, to wait for Him, to allow Him to give me rest, He never fails or disappoints.

The prophet Isaiah, in chapter 30, verse 15 called out to the people and told them the secret - in returning and rest you will be saved. Sadly, they would not listen. David, in Psalm 46:10 said, stop striving, and know I am God. The fact that this is in first person lets us know God was talking through David - and admonishing the listener and today the reader to just stop. Be still. Cease striving. And acknowledge that He is God. And you know what?

When I take the time to be still, to return to Him, to rest in Him - He meets me there every.single.time. It's almost like He anticipates my arrival, like He can't wait to see me. It's like He is excited to pick me up - trade my pathetic little strength for His might - and fill me back up until I run out again. Then He waits... for me to take time to come and let Him touch me again.

He is faithful. When we come to Him - He's ready to pour into us. When we realize our strength is gone, He's ready to give us His... while we wait on Him.

Today, I'm going to remind myself that His strength is enough and His grace is sufficient to carry me through. My meditations will be on just knowing He is still God and there is literally nothing that can change that in any way. My efforts will be on waiting for Him and resting in Him and in trading my piddly strength for His might. Will you join me?

Comments

  1. Leslie RichardsonNovember 6, 2017 at 2:59 AM

    Yes. THIS truth. Shared on Facebook because it's not just for caregiver...so many of my friends need to hear this exact message now.
    Thank you Jeanie. Can't imagine how you are doing double duty...well, actually, I can....

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jeanie OlingerNovember 6, 2017 at 4:21 AM

    Hey Leslie, It's good to "see" you again! Thank you for sharing and for reading. Double duty was tough, but it's so rewarding to be able to care for my mom. She is declining quickly and I don't know how much longer we'll have with this version of her. Thanks again for stopping by, and I'm glad you got a little something out of it. That's my prayer anyway is that others will benefit from what I share on this journey.
    Jeanie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Leslie RichardsonNovember 7, 2017 at 3:09 AM

    That prayer (that others benefit from what you share) is answered, sister-friend. I will be praying for you, your mom and your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeanie OlingerNovember 7, 2017 at 3:59 AM

      Thank you so much for reading and hanging out with us! And thank you so much for the prayers.

      Jeanie

      Delete

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