A Hurried Lifestyle

Psalm 42:1-2a,11 – As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. (NRSV)

It has been quite some time since I last wrote a devotional and as I contemplate what circumstances caused this, I find myself writing again.

I am sitting outside in my favourite chair on the front porch. As I look around, I am confronted and surrounded by evergreen, maple, cedar, poplar, oak and a few birch trees. I live in the country. The air is filled with birds chirping and it is as if their music is reaching the highest of heavens to praise their Creator. Once in a while a seagull is seen, gently gliding above the treetops, dancing in the serenity of a dark blue sky. The odd bluejay's call is also heard. The air is warm and the sun is shining; it is a peaceful, quiet afternoon and it is in the quietness, away from busy schedules, appointments and meetings, that God speaks.

I neglected to take the time to be alone with my Lord. There was always something else to do. I found myself continuously rushing around, always thinking that one day I would be able to sit down and relax. That time never came. I had to make a choice, a decision, that today would be the day to sit and pray and write.

The sun is starting to set, and I can still hear the birds singing. Far away, I hear the hum of a motorboat racing through the water, and I am reminded again of the hurried lifestyle that most of us have. I pray that I will continue to take the time to be alone with my God and talk to Him and just listen. Perhaps He will inspire me again to write.

Prayer: Dear Father, forgive us when we neglect to take the time to talk to You. You allow busy times in our lives to remind us to slow down and listen. Amen.

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