True, there are many days though that I have time - time to blog, time to watch movies with my husband - completely mismanaged time.
I've tried getting up early, which is my favorite time to do my quiet time. But every time I hit the bottom steps to our living room, I immediately hear my almost two year old climbing down from our bed to search for me. There is no sneaking out of that bed!
Before kids, I would wake early - 4:45 to be exact, make a tea and read My Utmost for the Highest (Oswald Chambers) online. I would copy the text and paste it into a word document and then journal underneath it as the devotion spoke to me that day. I would pray for each and everyone of my students (I was a 3rd grade teacher at the time) and then I would go workout, shower and then go teach! I can't even fathom that kind of energy these days!
Quiet times with God are something I am striving to do again. Even before Jodi's post I had started leaving my Bible at our couch, where I do devotions and Bible reading with the kids, and trying to read right before going to bed. I bought The Power of a Praying Parent to help me get a focus for prayer for my children. I try to read a prayer from that book every day. I really need to write my prayers down; it's what makes me feel I really prayed (even though it isn't true), but I don't always have time to do so. I guess writing is what keeps me from being distracted. My mind wanders if I just pray silently. If I can't journal, the next best thing for me is to read prayers that have already been written, that say what I want to say.
It's important to know though, that as important as quiet time with God is, it can be achieved anytime, anywhere. A quick prayer while in line at the supermarket. Another one while washing dishes or folding laundry. Listening to some worship CDs in the car. What I've had to adjust the most as a mom are my expectations of what quiet time with God should look like. Don't compare your quiet time with someone else's quiet time because God just meets you where ever you are.
I completely agree with your post! Everyone has their own way of finding quiet time - and what that looks like truly depends on where we are in life.
ReplyDeleteThe best time for me is while I'm putting my kids to sleep - whether or not it's a good thing, they are used to my being there until they fall asleep. It's fairly quiet (eventually), and it's a way to stay patient with them, as well.
4:45? Really? In my mind that time doesn't exist.
ReplyDeleteFor me morning quiet times have never worked. It works so much better at night, and it seems to go against what everyone else does. I'm going to have to read what everyone else adds, because I love to see how other people connect with God too.
I've been lacking in this area. Thanks for sharing your quiet time. You've inspired me to look into getting the book The Power of a Praying Parent. I'm with you on the writing. Writing helps me focus. I'm hoping my QT will eventually replace my blogging/FB time.
ReplyDeleteQuestion - When do you find the time to exercise now with homeschooling?
@Joyful Learner - exercise? What's that? hehe. I don't exercise anymore - not "real" exercise anyway, and I haven't in three years, since Bear was born. It's on my list of things to do, and I am working on adding it back to our routine soon.
ReplyDeleteEverything changes when you become a parent. As much as you may try, your time is no longer yours. It's all about being flexible. Some how I think God understands our time management issues.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post on quiet time. It's nice to be gently reminded and it's nice to know that others struggle to fit in the most important time of the day.
And forget exercise. Being an active Mommy counts, doesn't it? I sure hope so.
jeannine: waddleeahchaa.com
Yes! Someone else reads on the potty!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing . . . I could echo many of the thoughts you expressed!!!!! good to hear your voice!!!
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