...Resetting

Confession: This post was written back in the spring, but never was published. Today LittleK and HubbyK went to the park while I stayed at home with BabyK, bringing to mind this lost post. Better late than never!

For the first time in forever (music notes), I have a quiet morning. The air is so still I can hear the refrigerator running in the kitchen from my comfy position in the living room. I nestle into the couch, feeling the warmth of my (for once hot) tea in my hands. This morning HubbyK took LittleK to the park while BabyK settled for her first nap. Although it may be cool and grey outside, I feel like I am on vacation. It is as if I entered one of those postcard photos of the lady soaking in relaxation on the beach.

Recently I have been studying Chip Ingram's series "Balancing Life's Demands". It has convicted me to re-evaluate how I am doing at "putting first things first". For years I have always spent time reading my bible in the morning. When Little K came into the picture, my schedule went out of whack. Taking whatever time I could, I ended up reserving time to read during her naps. These disappeared much sooner than I would have liked, and quiet time wasn't always a suitable replacement.

I have also found that waiting until noon before I sit down with God is too long to allow my priorities to hover in chaos. I'm the kind of person who thrives on a "to-do" list. The tasks seem to perpetually buzz through my mind until they are checked off. Doing my devotions in the morning calms my mind and sets me on course. It reminds me of what is truly important; not all the little check boxes but instead, what God is doing in me, through me, in my children, in my neighbours, in this world. This sets the tone of my day with the right perspective and produces an overall happier, calmer me.

This morning's Psalm said, "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound". I feel it. I feel the joy that comes from a peaceful heart. No amount of food, entertainment, events, or activities could replace a simple reset by spending time in the presence of the One who knows me.

So here are my new to-dos:

1. Make morning bible reading a prayer a priority.

2. Dedicate more time to the ways that encourage me to read, study, and meditate on God's word. (I have since made the next series of Colour By Chapter Bookmarks- Major Prophets available in my FaithmarkDesigns Etsy Shop)

3. Let the to-do list be a guide, not a god.

4. Embrace the precious moments of calm.

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Psalm 4:7

"You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound."