“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity withthe purpose of His will.” Eph. 1:11
“God, Who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” 2Ti. 1:9
“God, Who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” 2Ti. 1:9
In today’s world we are constantly bombarded with stimulation. With so many things competing for our attention, likened to Jesus Himself, we have to be very purposeful in developing a habit of reflection and refreshment with God. (Matt. 14:23 “After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone...”)
Recently, we were chatting with friends regarding developing a habit of reflection and refreshment in the lives of our children. We shared with them a neat exercise we started with our kids when they were very young. The goal was to teach our 3 to treasure personal quiet time, and here’s what we did: We started with an age appropriate period of time and had our 3 mimic us and go to a private place in our home for some “alone time”. (We lived in tiny place back then and had to get creative!). We shared with them the special purpose behind having personal quiet time and slowly worked the time frame up to one hour in length. ~They were allowed to read, play quietly, rest, etc. but no playing with each other, no videos, no phones, etc.
You would’ve thought our kids would have hated this...but no. They saw how much my Shaun and I treasured our quiet time, and observed the joy we experienced from it. ~And in time they too found for themselves this same joy and refreshment that comes with quieting oneself before God. In fact today, while most of their friends are characterized by “running around with their hair on fire”, our kids (now 14, 18 and 21) still treasure escaping from the multimedia rat race and retreating to a quiet place.
~But it doesn’t just happen. Retreating from life’s intrigues and demands takes a purposeful mindset.
As 2011 begins, many of us will take time to reflect. We will ponder questions like:
- Did I achieved any of the goals I set for myself in 2010?
- How have I grown as a friend, spouse, parent, and child of God this past year?
- What were the highs, the lows and major lessons learned the last 12 months?
- Overall, is “my story” fitting into “The Story” that I’ve been designed for?
Like us, would you consider taking some time this week to retreat from the scurry of life in order to prayerfully review last year and regroup for this year? ~Doing so will help to give each of us a fresh perspective on our God given purpose (Eph. 2:10). And a fresh vision will in turn clarify our focus when otherwise we might simply continue to live in the day-to-day tyranny of the urgent!
Happy New Year to you!
Much love,
Shaun and Betsy
