Having 'not so quiet' time

~ Courageous Boy Warrior, Leader Boy Warrior & Cookie Boy Warrior having a swinging time~

I have always struggled with having 'quiet time' ever since I learned what it was as a baby Christian. At first I didn't know what to do during my quiet time. And then I felt guilty if I missed out on it on a day. This would turn into weeks, and consumed with guilt, I dare not come near God, sometimes turning into months. I didn't understand that having 'quiet time' was not a requirement for closeness to God. In fact, these days it is rare for me to have 'quiet time.'

I have what I call 'not so quiet' time. I grab a moment here and there with Jesus. Sometimes not opening my mouth at all but meditating on a scripture that I had read that morning, while I pack the dishwasher. I might listen to some worship music over breakfast while with my family and have a song stuck in my head that I hum or sing throughout the day. Sometimes I might not even get to read the Bible all day, but would have spent time with Him. How? Because I have learnt that He is always withe me. I see Him in nature, I see Him in my children, I see Him in my husband, I even see Him in schoolwork. You see, when you are so in love with someone, you see them everywhere!

I have also learned that my King speaks to me all throughout the day. Sometimes a thought might pop into my head and I act on it. Like for example, to ring a particular friend and invite them around for coffee. I think it is my own idea, but half way through coffee I see that my friend needs to hear from God that day and I am able to encourage her. That was God speaking to me. I have learned to act on these thoughts regularly now and see God's hand moving in my life. Sometimes it is only my own thoughts and not His, but over time, I am learning to recognise His voice and differentiate it from my own.

In my busy world of homeschooling, there is often not a lot of 'Me' time. But I have learned to pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says: Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.

I think I finally know what it means to pray continually, and there is so much more freedom than living under condemnation of not having quiet time.

Still taking lessons from the King,