Family

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This morning I got up early and went out to breakfast with my granddaughter. I am not an early morning person but on this particular day I got up early. My granddaughter wanted to have breakfast so the two of us headed towards to a bakery nearby. Now I don’t get up at 6:00 AM for just anybody! But a chance to spend a few minutes with my granddaughter before school was an opportunity that I didn’t want to miss. We sat in the coffee shop and had a fresh pastry and a cup of hot chocolate. We relaxed and talked a while about anything we could think about.

Shortly afterwards I drove by the school and dropped her off for the day. As I left the parking lot I reflected on how such a simple thing as a conversation at breakfast time made me feel. The most important part of that particular morning was just being able to sit and talk. No interruptions and no one claiming another piece of my time. I knew that the Lord had provided a very special moment for both of us. And throughout the day I remembered the joy of that experience.

So many opportunities come our way each day. Sometimes we see the chance to make a difference in someone’s life and at other times we are too preoccupied with our own agenda. It is so easy to take things for granted and to forget about the precious little moments that God puts before us every day. Moments like the wings of a butterfly perched on a flower sucking nectar or the time when the sun rays shine down to earth and fall on objects that glisten in the early morning hours. The beauty of the snow on the ground while drinking a cup of coffee inside where it’s warm. Moments like the picture of joy on the face of a new born baby so dependent on its mother. Moments such as the picture of a dog curled up in front of the fireplace or the cat in the living room basking in the sun. The look on a child’s face as he walks down the street with his mother, his small hands carefully wrapped around an ice cream cone. Study the face of the elderly man sitting at the corner bus stop or catch a glimpse of a young couple obviously deep in love, holding hands and walking through the park. Listen to the sound of the bells tolling in the church every hour on the hour. All of these little observations tell us something about life and each little thing tells us something about God’s world.

In our Christian walk with the Lord we need to plan our time with Him just like we would set aside time to have a cup of coffee, talk to a friend, or read a book. The early morning is the time that is best for me. It is the time when everything is peaceful and quiet at home. That is the time I set aside to spend with the Lord. It may not be the best time for everyone but setting aside a special time with Him is really one of the most important things we should do as Christians. Colossians 4:2 states “devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving”.

I am currently reading through the Bible one book at a time. I read the verses, study the passages by referring to the notes in the side margin of my Bible or by taking a Bible reference book and analyzing someone’s viewpoint. As I work through this process I learn a little more each time that I read His book. I begin to hear his voice and feel His direction for my life.

Of course there are days that I get sidetracked and get over-involved with something else that catches my attention. The rest of the day usually goes by too fast and I never manage to really have time for God. I have left my best friend sitting alone waiting for me and I have disappointed Him. I can tell the difference because the day seems to have more problems. I also miss the opportunities that the Lord has put before me because I have not been able to hear His voice. However, the days when I spend time reading His word and reflecting on what He has done for me are the days that seem so much easier to handle. Those are the days that I can see the special moments, the little things that maybe are there every day but seem more in focus when I take time to spend with the Lord. Cherish the special moments by taking time to spend with the Lord.

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