Missed Meetings

I heard you calling to me yesterday morning and when I said, “I’ll get to you later,” I knew I was lying. I lied to myself and I lied to you. When I told myself I’d meet with you later in the day I knew in my heart I wouldn’t. When I whispered to you, “Later,” I knew it wouldn’t happen. I know myself almost as well as you do.

“Come and sit with me for a few minutes,” you asked, but there was too much to do to take a moment and sit with you. I didn’t want to give you any of my precious time. I didn’t think about what you might have wanted to give me. My to-do list was my priority.

You didn’t pester me, but every now and then you’d whisper, “I’m still here. Come, sit with me.” And every time I’d assert my rebellious and independent spirit and say, “Not now! There’s still so much to do!”

The bathrooms won’t clean themselves; the towels won’t come out of the drier folded and neatly stacked. The dishwasher won’t unload itself. The floors won’t push aside the dust. And the bed fairy won’t magically appear to change the sheets and make the bed.

After I had completed all my chores, and my house smelled as clean as it looked, I heard you call to me again, “Come now? Will you come and wrap up the day with me?”

I know where I was when I said, “No.” I was walking upstairs to turn off the lights. I was walking right past the spot where I usually have my quiet time. I was walking past my desk where my Bible, journal, and notebook are kept.

“I’ve had a busy day,” I thought, “I want me time now.” Or, more honestly, “I’m the boss of me, today.”

This morning, I wonder how you must have felt yesterday when I decided that all my busyness was more important than spending time with you. When I was so busy doing what I wanted to do, I never thought about what you were busy trying to give to me. I wonder what I missed when I missed my meeting with you…

Did you want to tell me how much you love me?

Did you want to encourage me? Strengthen me? Empower me? Challenge me? Discipline me? Train me? Did you want to impart your wisdom? Equip me for the day? Show me how small I am and how big you are? Remind me that my problems are nothing when you are holding them?

What anger might have been averted if I’d started my day with you? What fear dismissed? Anxiety calmed? What peace did I forfeit?

How different would yesterday have been if I’d spent a few minutes in your holy presence? Would my words have been more loving, wise, and discerning? Would my actions have been more compassionate? Would my conversations have been less about me and more about others? Would I have struggled less with the circumstances of life? Would my perspective have been clearer? My priorities truer? My life more powerful?

Oh God, what did I miss by choosing to miss my meeting with you yesterday? Please forgive my stubborn rebellion. Thank you for meeting with me today.

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” – Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

God, you are good and kind. You will never leave me nor will you forsake me. You forgive me because you love me — a sinner saved by grace. I am amazed by your grace.

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” – 1 John 1:9 NLT

“Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God.” – Hebrews 9:14 NLT

God is waiting for you today; will you come and sit a while with him?

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Join us as we read and study God’s Word together in the New Year! Click here for more information on Marcia’s Devotional, 365 Days of Grace

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