Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Newly-Washed Joy in the Day to Day



The dryer whirrs, and teens’ voices meld in guitar and vocal practice. 

Sunshine and breeze pour through my open windows and deck doors. Last night’s rain splashed color and vivid hues on every leaf and lawn. The heat surprised me when I stepped out onto the deck just a few minutes ago. 

John, my oldest, biked back from his morning daycare job, exclaiming, “It’s so nice out there! Ahhh, I have spring fever!” After grabbing a snack, he headed to his room for school.  His sister Morgan is finishing up her math lesson. 

Daniel is on the deck, driving a yellow bus through puddles, and digging his toes in deep to the water surrounding a large pot. “Mom, can I take a bath?” he asks. I think he means in the basin there. 

After a busy weekend, life resumes its normal pace. 

In between the the flow of family meals, homework helps, and other swirling currents, we women sneak away for time in God’s word. That looks different for all of us on any day, I know. This morning, I brewed coffee, grabbed my favorite cup, and pulled a chair up to the kitchen table with my Bible and Bible study book.

Like my son, I want to dig my toes in deep to this Water.

"...And the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters..." (Gen 1:2b).

What is your normal pace on a weekday morning? How do you enjoy setting up time to spend in God’s word? 

Thank you for your kind comments and for sharing prayer requests on the last post. I have been reading them and praying with you, even though I haven’t replied to you yet. It was a busy weekend with a senior high youth retreat, speaking at a workshop on missions, and a bout of mild food poisoning. 

Today, though, life is again back to normal, and I pour another cup of coffee, dictate an assignment, and pull my Bible close.

Rejoice with me, like the ancient Israeli King David who said, "Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence" (Psalm 21:6).

What is your normal pace on a weekday morning? How do you enjoy setting up time to spend in God’s word?

7 comments:

Rachel said...

Jen!

I love reading your posts..they always make me appreciate a different part of God's love and give me a positive mind set! You always seem to see the good in normal or even bad situations!
As for God time, I love cozying up downstairs where there's no noise and turning on praise music while reading my Bible or singing while playing guitar. He has blessed us with so many different ways to enjoy His presence!

Rachel

Jennifer Dougan said...

Rachel,

Hi, thank you. :) Cozying up with quiet music and a Bible is so relaxing. I like that you can play guitar and sing too. That must be a neat feeling to create praise that way.

Jennifer
www.jenniferdouagn.com

AmyAlves said...

Hi Miss Jennifer, it makes me smile to read your words of kids happenings and Bible reading. I love finding my quiet time in the day too. I treasure my morning runs, just me and God, and Bible reading too. ~ Blessings sister, Amy p.s. I so enjoyed seeing that you stopped by my place earlier today too, bless you!

Jennifer Dougan said...

Thanks, Amy. Early morning runs sound nice too. Mine are afternoon runs after school. So sunshiny. :)

Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com

Dontmissyoursunsetlady said...

Lately it seems my alone times with the Lord have been rushed or filled with interruptions. I love Saturdays, because my time with God is rather lengthy. I know that isn't the SS answer, but honestly it's where I am right now. thanks for your comment!

Carol said...

Enjoyed your post-- I felt like I was looking out at your newly washed lawn.

My husband and I are preparing for a trip to Israel with a group from our church. We are reading through books of the Old Testament together at our dinner hour. Then we take a walk through our neighborhood with time to reflect on what we have read.

LOLITA said...

I am a noon (midday) sitter. Our office put off light at noontime after lunch, sort of a brake. Others, take a nap.

Me, after having been fed physically, and too full to take a nap, I dip my toes into the living water that never runs dry and quenches my spirit thirst and satisfy my soul with the bread of life.

Thanks for your musings, Jen, which is always attuned to God's words. I like your style in interconnecting daily activities with Bible truths.