Running Out of Time
It's routine. I get out of bed at 5:20 a.m., shower and dress, eat a bowl of cereal, and race to school by 6:30. There's just one other teacher on the opposite side of the building and the custodian. It's quiet. I decided a few years ago to change the location of where I would read my devotions so I could have quiet time with God without distractions before my students came bustling into the room. I have to say, most days I am devoted to my quiet time with Jesus. I feel free to sing at the top of my lungs or cry out in anguish. You can bet that I am praying for my students and the day ahead of me. But, there are days when I find myself distracted. I walk into the classroom and notice some books need to be put away. I say to myself, " Oh I will get to my devotions after I put these books away." As I'm walking back to my desk, I noticed someone forgot to water the plant. After watering the plant, I remember that I needed to write up a newsletter for the kids to take home. I look up at the clock and see that I'm running out of time for devotions. I hurriedly open up my devotional and begin reading. About halfway through I realize I had been daydreaming and have no clue as to what I read. I look at the clock, frustrated I close the devotional, pray a quick prayer, and run to the door to greet my students.
All day I felt as if I were missing something or had forgotten to do something. I had lost my time with Jesus. Time was running out, and I missed sharing with my friend. Although I had missed an opportunity to be in commune with God, He reminded me that He would always be here for me. Okay, I did miss my time with Him, but all was not lost because even though I didn't prioritize showing up for Him; He will always show up for me. He showed up for me and you on an old rugged cross because He loves us. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13 NIV) I definitely want to spend time with a friend who would lay down his life for me; wouldn't you?
Prayer: Father, forgive my inattentiveness and failure to spend valuable time with you. Thank you for the Holy Spirit, who reminds me that I am your child and of the importance in spending time with you. You are worthy to be praised every day. Your word tells us we should not conform to this world. Help me when my eyes shift away from you and I become distracted by the things of this world. Amen
Memory Verse: Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will.