This past few days, my hubby has continued his summer tradition of a “Daddy vacation” and he’s taken our twins out of town for a few days, which gives me some quiet time at home, to complete a few projects, but mostly just to recharge my battery. Even though I have mixed feelings about loving a quiet house as much as I do, I have used the time to pray, meditate on God’s faithfulness to us, and prepare myself to be intentional when the house (very soon!) quits being so quiet. Especially in the waiting period we are in with our adoption, the Lord is teaching me to live not anxiously, but each day at a time, with eyes wide open to what He has set before me today.
In my quiet time yesterday, I wrote down three things I want to remind myself to do and sought to align these with scriptural principles. Firstly, (and any mama will understand how you can find yourself NOT doing just this!) is to BREATHE DEEPLY. I find myself wondering all day what my boys across the ocean are doing, strategizing the next email and step for the adoption to move forward, imagining how to parent them in their needs when they get home, etc…and that often leaves me feeling a tightness in my chest and an anxiousness that helps NO ONE. So, I am going to try to breathe deeply.
Scripture tells us, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you–whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” 1Cor. 6:19 / “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 / “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!” Psalm 34:8. All of these truths should allow us to breathe a little more deeply, gaining a bit more eternal perspective with each breath:)
The second principle is to pass the time intentionally, focusing on the present moment. This is a big one for me, because I am a planner and it is quite difficult for me to “be in the moment.”
Scripture responds to this anxious nature by saying, “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness” Psalm 37:3 / “For whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31
The last principle (and most important!) to focus on is to abide in prayer. I know the Lord not only calls me to this, but it is ultimately for my good, to align my mind and spirit with His will, to be mindful of the ways He is working, to remember that I am HIS and not my own, and He is at work to bring about his kingdom in so many unforeseen ways.
Scripture encourages our prayer: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing–give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess 5:17 / “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Col 4:2 / “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, present your requests to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:2
I hope these will encourage you as we try to live each of our days (and sometimes just minute to minute!) more intentionally.
