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My quiet time isn’t that quiet

2.16.16
I recently started a new Bible study with my small group of gals. I confessed that my quiet time was inconsistent and I found myself having to fit it in when I could. I have a great excuse: A young child. I also confessed in the midst of my busyness I could wake up 15-20min early or my husband has even offered to occupy our kiddo so I can do my Bible study. Truth be told, I just don’t want to wake up earlier and if I have 30 min of alone time I would rather take a nap.

Sounds awful, I know. But maybe it’s not.

I read my Bible in bed when I am waking up, at the breakfast table on Saturday mornings, and in the bathroom during busy weeknights.

I’m not alone. Ever. My life is basically on display. At least for my three and a half year old.

It really hit me when my niece, 4 and my nephew, 8 spent the night. I put cereal in the breakfast table, invited them to eat and picked up my Bible study. Then, my niece said the sweetest thing, “Miss Becky at school has a Bible. I want one too.” Miss Becky is the principal’s secretary. My niece has either been in a decent amount of trouble, or sick a few times and sat waiting in her office enough to notice Miss Becky’s bible. And want one.

Yes, it’s a Christian Preschool, but she noticed and it stuck with her. Maybe she read to her from it, maybe not. Either way I stopped what I was doing and grabbed her a small Precious Moments Bible I had actually been saving for her for Easter. Together we had Bible study in my noisy breakfast table as my nephew munched on cereal.

If we want others to see Jesus, maybe our quiet time doesn’t have to be done in quiet or isolation. Maybe The Spirt of God can speak to me as I sit on a toilet reading the Word with a tub splashing preschooler beside me. My season isn’t quiet. God can still speak in my current context. And perhaps the next breakfast table Bible study I have, my sweet Little One will join in.
I’m not alone. And it’s not a bad thing.

Bible study in the bathroom. Not pictured is child blissfully splashing in the shower

7.10.16
Even with the freedom of summer, my season hasn’t gotten much quieter. I have a few mornings that I end up waking up first, and getting an hour by myself to read and reflect. But in general, I spend the morning drinking coffee on my porch, reading with frequent but adorable interruptions. It’s not the ideal “summer camp” version of a quiet time, but it’s purposeful and refreshing.
I’m still not alone. And it’s a beautiful thing.

On the porch in summer. Coffee, cake, with my little one and Jesus. Just beautiful!

From the book of Common Prayer
V. Lord, keep this nation under your care;

R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth.

V. Let your way be known upon earth;

R. Your saving health among all nations.

V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;

R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.

V. Create in us clean hearts, O God;

R. And sustain us by your Holy Spirit.

Celebrating Risks

I originally wrote this and shared it on my Facebook page last year. As I re-read it my thoughts still ring true. Enjoy.

I’m was wide awake at 3 am, and I found myself deep in thought. I could blame the caffeine I had, or most probably the bear trap of a bed I find myself in. I’m tightly squeezed between my husband and my sleepless child who woke, for whatever reason, and found himself into our bed. And don’t forget Izzy, my cat, who is in the mood to lay directly on top of me no matter which way I turn. I’m basically caged in by piles of covers and loved ones.

Anyways, in an effort to feel patriotic and scholarly I found my self reading The Declaration of Independence.

Of course, I read the beginning with it’s awe inspiring quotes if “We the people” and “All men created equal.”

Then, I pushed through the list of grievances from the crown. This would have probably resonated better with me if I could remember more details from my history classes.

In the end, what really struck me was the conclusion, “We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” How would they be remembered if it didn’t work out? Especially since history is written by the victors.

Maybe that is what we truly celebrate today: the risk. We celebrate the birth of our country and the declarations of its intentions and those who risk everything to get us here.

How often do we feel we only celebrate the victories in our history or in our own lives? How much better to celebrate the times when we take risks? Or when we make declarations and push through the struggles, fight battles, or simply readjust when it doesn’t work?

I guess I’m saying, maybe the 4th isn’t about celebrating a perfect country or perfect lives, but rather finding joy in a history of seeking and pursuing the intents of our original declarations and ideals.

I’m thankful for those throughout history and today who have risked so much so that I might be enjoying today.

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