The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a quiet one this year. While we usually continue at a break-neck pace, this year we decided to slow down. We decided not to travel, not to overbook, and not to give into the temptation to cram as much as possible into that one week.
It has made all the difference.
I have taken time to leisurely curl up and read a few books, play board games with my family and seek answers in Scripture. I have had time to just sit and be. To be still, listening for His voice, impressed on my heart.
Maybe like me, you have found the last several months overwhelming. At the end of the day there was still lots more to do. Things that could absolutely not wait until tomorrow. Yet, exhaustion threatened to overcome.
In this present time, our family has determined we need rest. And we have prioritized that rest. Part of that prioritization includes rest in Christ.
Unintentionally, part of the routine I fell into the past few months included less and less time just sitting at His feet. It simply felt there wasn’t time. I established the bad habit of trying to do it all on my own.
But that’s what I love about this time of year: we can hit the “reset” button. We can pause, contemplate, and adjust as needed.
Colossians 3:17 reminds, ” And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (HCSB)
Maybe like me, you have been doing many, many things. Good things. Things you believe you are called to do. Things that absolutely must happen, whether it’s caring for a sick child or taking the time to minister to someone.
Maybe like me, your bucket has run down a bit, because you’ve had less time to sit at the feet of Christ and have it refilled. My head knows I can’t constantly give unless I have also received.
It’s time to rest, restore, and renew.
Romans 8:1-2 reassures me, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (NIV)
I don’t need to mentally berate myself. I need to remedy my schedule and make sure I’m intentional about the future. And, thank God for His constant care and love as I try to do life better, with more joy and less stress. And that starts by spending time each day at the feet of Jesus.
This time of year lends itself to self-improvement, and intentional goal-setting for the next year. Won’t you join me in daily setting a time to rest and refresh, becoming renewed before serving others and completing the daily to-do list?
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for this time to consider how I am spending my time, and how You would author that time spent. May You guide me as I redefine boundaries and establish a routine that draws me closer to You. May I fill up on Your words before I speak. May my heart experience Your joy before I serve. May my hands be still before You prior to jumping in and getting things done for the day. Thank you Lord that You will show me where to carve out that all-important time. Thank You for not condemning me as I seek to find the solutions. Thank You for filling me with Your joy, Your peace, and Your presence! In Jesus name, Amen.
How do you prioritize time with Him each day? What routine have you established to ensure it happens?