I was headed downstairs this morning for my work out. It was just before 7, a bit earlier than usual. Thursdays are my super busy day, and especially so today. Dentist appointments, school with Emily, a few errands, and piano lessons all afternoon. Whew!
As I sat down on the couch to put on my shoes I thought to myself, “I better get my list going, or I’m going to forget something…” I am a mom of three, after all, and somedays I feel as though I gave all of my short term memory brain cells to my children. All of them.
“I need my laptop, Em’s school books, I’ve got to grab my water bottle, a change of clothes for Mackenzie…”
Interruption from a still, small, voice…
“Are you putting Me on the list?”
It took me a minute, but I recognized Him.
“Well, of course I’m taking You – You’re a part of me – You go everywhere with me.”
These are my learned Sunday School answers from childhood.
“Yes, that’s all true. But once we’re on the road, sometimes You turn my volume down…”
My face grew flush. I’m caught. It’s too true. On the craziest of days, when I’m on the go, I’m rather hard of hearing. He’s there, He’s talking, He’s helping, but I’m not listening. These are the days when I probably need Him the most – But, they are the days when I rush ahead. alone.
These are also the days when I’m more likely to: forget something, hurt someone’s feelings, be impatient, be angry, be… well, everything He’s offered to help me NOT be. He truly is in my heart – but sometimes I turn the volume down on the intercom between my heart and head. And then – I’m left with nothing. Except ugliness.
On the days when I am the busiest, those are the days that I need to make the most room for Him. Anything less brings terrible consequences.
Holy Spirit,
Keep me aware of your presence today. Help me to stay on the path that You have laid for me. Let me listen to Your voice. I know I can’t make it by myself. I need you.Thank you for wanting to be on my list. Amen
And with that, I’m on the run. I have a list to finish up – but He’s going to be at the top!
md
written originally on September 23, 2010.
daily portion 