Quiet morning with God.....

For whatever reason I woke up early today. Not sure if I finally got caught up on sleep or if I am starting to feel better or what. More than likely I think God knew I needed some quiet time with him today. I went downstairs, as everyone was still sleeping, and made some coffee. Once I had sipped a few sips I opened my bible to Proverbs, which is where I have been reading lately. Before I did that I just sat for a few moments and listened. Not necessarily to anything around me but rather to God. You see, it was at that point that I finally realized that God wanted me to wake early. Until that point I was a bit perturbed. I wanted to sleep in today. And for once everyone else was quiet and sleeping and I could have. But God had other plans.

So I started thinking about this past week end (Christmas time at 3 houses), recent travels and what was still ahead this week. I also thought about the past year. This past year has been a challenging one spiritually and emotionally for sure. I thought about all the times when I did not get my way or things did not seem to be going the way I wanted them to. Then I paused and pulled out the index card with the first set of verses on it I was attempting to memorize. It is from Proverbs 3:4,5. I have blogged on these before. But for some reason they have not sunk in yet. It says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding". This entire past year and especially today, I was convinced I was not getting what I wanted. And with that statement, I had missed the point. We were not created for our own desires, but rather for Him. The first line in Rick Warren's book, Purpose Driven Life, says it best. It is not about you (us). It is so easy in this world to lose sight of or Lord and that we were created for His purpose. Especially at Christmas time, when we are bombarded with images of materialism. We are constantly told that we need to get what is ours, do what is best for us and to make the most money. But in reality that is not it at all. So my hope and prayer is that we can truly turn our eyes upon Jesus, that I can turn my eyes upon Jesus and listen to what He has to say.

I pray that as I am on vacation this week and I get refreshed, that I will not only get my rest physically but also Spiritually. I pray that I would Trust in the Lord with all MY heart and lean not on MY own understanding.