As I sat this morning and opened my journal, I was shocked that I had not journaled in 11 days.
We returned late last night from our holiday travel. We had no intentions of traveling this Christmas, but my mother had a heart procedure scheduled for the 28th and I felt I needed to be there to support her.
Like most trips of late, it was nothing like we had anticipated or hoped. It was a blessing to see friends and family, but it was difficult in so many ways.
The climate is torture for my husband. The sleeping arrangements were challenging. We felt displaced and out of sorts. I struggled between feeling that my mom needed me there and that my stepdad just wanted us gone. Every day seemed to be like running a gauntlet that left us at our ends both emotionally and physically.
Whenever we travel, I always bring my Bible and a journal. The thought of leaving it behind is like traveling without my toothbrush. I wouldn’t think of starting my day without a fresh mouth and clean teeth. I even brush before my morning coffee, lol. On the rare occasion, I forget or wait, I just feel out of whack. The day will seem harder somehow.
As I reflect on our time away, the struggles I experienced are not surprising. My most important travel accessory remained tucked away in my backpack. Not entering God’s presence daily was like failing to brush my teeth. Everything seemed out of whack. Everything was harder. I needed God’s protection, and I wandered around naked failing to put on the full armor of God each day.
The Holy Spirit acts on our invitation. Yes, God is all-knowing and always watching out for us, but it takes our actions to activate the amazing gift of his protection, peace, and power each day. The Bible tells us that in this life we will have trouble, but God promises to never forsake us. He is always there. We just need to call upon the wonderful name of Jesus!
There is a poem called The Difference. It is a beautiful poem written by an unknown author that sums up how my lack of discipline affected me during this time away. This poem outlines the importance of prayer and our dependency on God and how different our days are when we forget that our strength is found in him alone.
The Difference
author Unknown
I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me and heavier came each task; “Why doesn’t God help me?” I wondered. He said, “But you didn’t ask”.
I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak; I wondered why God didn’t show me. He said, “But you didn’t seek”.
I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock. God gently and lovingly chided “My Child, you didn’t knock”.
I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day. I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.
Mathew 7:7-8 (NIV) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
God Bless.
Your friend, Rho.
