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Showing posts with label peace of Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peace of Christ. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Unhurried Time


Have you ever known someone who never seems rushed? Their time with you is slow, deliberate, and unhurried. It's a gift to find such a person.

One of my children was, and still is, absolutely unhurry-able. It didn't matter how late we were or who was waiting for us, she took her sweet time, because that's just the way God made her. She was slow and steady in doing her school work, sometimes maddeningly so. I must admit it drove me a bit nuts until one insightful, Christian teacher said to me, "I love that she takes her time on her work. She doesn't measure herself by others and she's absolutely unaffected by what goes on around her. She's comfortable doing things the way she feels is right, regardless of how long it takes. It's like the peace of Christ dwells deeply inside her already."

That took me aback. She was right. This was a gift and I was blessed that her teacher had the insight and wisdom to see it. I looked at her unhurried sense of time differently after that. It truly was a form of wealth. While I tend to get caught up in the whirlwind of life, my daughter was rooted and grounded, doing things in her own time.

Now, I try to slow down more and appreciate things more deeply. Why rush through the produce section to get to the frozen foods? Why not soak up all its colors, scents, and textures? The frozen foods will still be cold and frosty when I get there. Or take time to stand in the parking lot and let the sun drench your skin. Listen to a friend as if it's the last time you'll hear their voice. Feel the softness of your child's skin when they run into your arms and hold them a second or two longer. Live deliberately, slowly, meaningfully.

It's the only life we have, this side of eternity. Luxuriate in it unhurriedly, and see your life-wealth increase. Now that's timeless.

Linda

Monday, May 7, 2012

Sunday Insanity

Insane Sunday mornings with young children. I remember the stress well. Aren't Sundays supposed to be a blessed day? Why did they always seem to begin with crankiness on my part, the kids, or both? Where was the peace of Christ when I really needed it?


I determined to make our Sunday mornings different. They would be calm, peaceful, and God-focused. But how? Here are a few things that helped turn insanity to inspiration.

1. Play inspirational music. I chose CDs that featured kids singing Bible lyrics. That way the kids tuned in better.
2. Pray with your kids the night before. Ask God to help you have a good start to your day of worship.
3. Lay out clothes the night before. Let the kids help choose what they wear. Then you don't have to make those decisions or fight those battles first thing in the morning. Also, make bottles, pack the diaper bag, find everyone's shoes, locate Bibles,and anything else you need to do to prepare for the next morning.
4. Get everyone to bed at a reasonable hour the night before. It's hard to be glad in your worship if you're exhausted. If everyone's well rested, you'll have a less stressful morning.
5. Get up early enough to spend some time alone with God before the kids get up. This will set the tone for the rest of your day. I know it's hard to get up early, but trust me. You'll never regret spending time with God before the rest of the troops arise. As a matter of fact, this may become your favorite time of the day.

Give these tips a try and enjoy your new Sunday morning routine!

Let me know if you try these tips and how they worked for you.What other tips can you give for a more peaceful Sunday morning?