Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:3
I woke up with a slight amount of dread. I was happy and sad and kind of scared all at the same time. We dropped our first born off at college the day before and today was the beginning of finding a “new normal” without her in our house. My youngest woke up minutes later not giving time to have my routine coffee and quiet time. Shortly after her, our three boys were awake and my day had begun. Everyone was emotional and grumpy and I was in no mood to practice patience or kindness or any of the other fruits of the spirit. It felt like there was a hole missing in our house. All I wanted to do was go back to bed, reflect on fun memories and not face the change that had occurred. My heart was happy thinking of the new adventures our oldest would have; yet, it was saddened by the realization that life would never be the same again. It wasn’t better, wasn’t worse, just different.
I dragged myself through the day without a smile or joyful word to my children. A few hours later, I was reminded of my missed cup of coffee and bible reading. That month I had started a scripture journal where I would write a few verses of scripture down in a notebook. I grudgingly looked up the assigned verses for that day, and slowly flipped in my Bible to Isaiah 40:11:
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
He gently leads those that have young.
After seeing what the assigned verse was, I laughed, my heart swelled and tears came to my eyes. It was my favorite verse in the Bible on the topic of parenting. Out of all of the verses in the Bible, He chose that one, on that particularly hard day to remind me, I still have much work to do. I have other children I must lead towards Him. I have many memories still left to make and I have so much to be thankful for.
Creating a habit of spending time in His Word is the beginning of having a thankful heart. It is a game changer, an attitude adjuster and a life line on a hard day. His Word is alive and active and He will meet you right where you are. It’s up to you to open the book and see what He has to say!
It is easy to make excuses of not having time or not being a morning person or having to work late. The truth is, we make time for what is important to us. Most don’t have to think about brushing their teeth-they just do it! It’s a habit and by reading His Word every day, at the same time of day, you will find yourself opening your Bible to read, without even thinking about it. To be reminded of His promises and the amazing stories it holds, your heart will open to the Spirit and what is going on around you. Thankfulness will flow from your lips and your heart and your life will be changed, all by reading His Word!
When is the last time you slowed down to look around and told Him, “thank you”? If you can’t honestly remember, don’t be discouraged. The awesome thing about our God is you can start afresh and a new everyday! A parking spot in the front row, hitting every green light on the way to work, a sweet note in the mail, a beautiful flower along the driveway, a new baby, they are gifts great and small and are there whether you see them or not because you are His precious child and He loves you. Don’t miss His wonderful gifts to you any longer!
What time of day could you find a few minutes to pick up your Bible and read? Set your phone or watch alarm to that time so you won’t forget. Tell a friend and ask them to join you in setting a goal to read your Bible everyday this week. You can do it!
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About the Author: Marion Lambertus is happily married with five children. She homeschools her children, teaches the Middle School girls at her church, runs her own photography business and enjoys writing when she can find the time. Most importantly, she loves Jesus and desires to be used by Him to reach others for His kingdom.
