Interrupted

I wrote this a couple weeks ago but just now got a chance to post it. Things have remained busy but God is giving the grace to enjoy the moments. It's amazing how God answers prayer. Since my last post, He has been quieting my restless heart, while giving me purposeful things to do with my time. I have suddenly found myself with a pretty packed schedule, yet I have taken on each new thing with lots of prayer and guidance. He is growing and stretching me in many ways right now. He is answering many prayers. He is drawing me closer to Himself. Praise God! May I seek Him first.

 

12/5/12

It’s amazing how one word from the Lord can completely change your focus…

Yesterday was one of those days where I was tired and lacking motivation. The first half of the day was spent trying to get myself going. I had a ton to do, so the second half of the day was spent running around like crazy. In the early afternoon I was on my way to the grocery store. I suddenly came upon a roadblock and detour signs on a back road that I drive fairly often. Unsure of the reason for the closed road, I followed the detour signs around until I came to a complete stop and realized that traffic was backed up all the way from the main road. Cars were turning onto a major road from a stop sign during a busy time of day – one by one – slowly. Frustrated about this unplanned use of my time, I sat there thinking of all the things I needed to get done… ‘buy and then unpack groceries, clean the house and prepare for community group, fix dinner, take care of the baby, laundry, dishes, go for a run, shower, phone calls…’ My thoughts were abruptly interrupted when I sensed God speak to my heart,

“Meridith, I created this day for you to enjoy”.

I was immediately humbled and put in my place. ‘I’m sorry Lord’, I whispered. ‘Help me to re-focus on Your agenda and priorities for this day. Help me to enjoy it the way you intend for me to’.

The traffic still took quite some time to clear, but my heart and mind began to be at peace as I started praying for people. I also began to notice the gorgeous sunshine, the beautiful homes decorated for Christmas, a children’s playhouse in one yard that actually had a tiny garage attached to it, the leather swing shaped like a horse that looked like a ton of fun for little ones… I turned on some Christmas music and thanked God for the peace that only He can give.

When I arrived at the store and was putting Nathaniel in the wrap that I often carry him in, a Muslim woman came up to me and started smiling and talking to Nathaniel. He broke out into a huge grin. She asked his name and we talked a moment. As she was getting into her car, she said “Enjoy this day with your son!” This would not have seemed odd at all except for the fact that it reiterated the exact words whispered to my heart just a little earlier. In the store a few minutes later I was tickling Nathaniel in between putting things in the cart and a woman walked by and said “Well, it looks like you two are enjoying the day together.” I just smiled and said “Yes, we are.”

Thank you Lord, for the ability to enjoy the day. It doesn’t matter if the day is busy or boring, full of people or alone, exciting or mundane. You alone give peace and life. You alone give the ability to live life to the fullest.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10