I sleepily rise and pour the coffee into my cup. It’s an earlier morning than usual. For some odd reason baby girl thought 5:30 was an acceptable wake-up time. It’s 7:00 now and she’s back to sleep for her morning nap.
I have a choice to make … I could go back to bed and get a few more hours of shut-eye … or … I could sit and enjoy the quiet stillness. I choose the stillness. I don’t see much of it these days. So I drink my coffee and open my devotional book.
The words on the page practically scream at me …
You have chosen the better thing, which will never be taken away from you.
This isn’t the first time the daily reading says exactly what I need to hear. I can’t help but wonder if God changes the words on the page to directly speak to my life each morning.
These days, I’m really struggling with worldly temptation. The new car, big house, latest and greatest, shop-when-you-want American dream.
My car has over 100,000 miles on it. We live in an apartment – and will – for the foreseeable future. My MacBook is from 2006 … the latest operating system won’t even run on it. We live on one income … so the shop-when-you-want mentality just doesn’t cut it.
If I’m really honest with myself, I don’t really want the “American Dream.” I could care less about a new car. And I’ve owned a house before … it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. My computer works just fine – and when I do go shopping I hardly ever find anything that I really truly need. Or even want.
But I just can’t help it. I can’t help but compare myself to everyone else. If I don’t have the latest and greatest – well, I must not be as cool as they are. And buying a house … well that’s how you know you’re a successful, established adult.
We talk about it daily in our house. We choose to life our lives differently. It’s important to us that we tithe. We strive to live our lives in a financially responsible and Christlike way. For us – the typical American dream doesn’t cut it. It leaves us feeling empty. Always searching for more.
Again the words hit me…
You have chosen the better thing, which will never be taken away from you.
The lyrics from Norah Jones’ hit Come Away With Me play over and over in my head. God’s calling us to just get away. To leave “the dream” behind and come away with him. He just wants to be with us. Promising to never stop loving us.
It’s a powerful image – going away with God. And oh so hard …
You have chosen the better thing, which will never be taken away from you.
My time with God can’t ever be taken away from me. There’s no foreclosure on my relationship with God. And the fullness my heart fills every month when we choose God above all else … nothing else can give me that same fullness.
So today – I’m thankful for the silence. For the opportunity to sit. Reflect. Get away. Even if it’s only for a moment.
you just spoke my life right now. I feel like we are kindred spirits. quiet times rarely happen for me either, or when I get the opportunity, most of the time I will selfishly choose more sleep. but I didn’t this morning, and your words spoke confirmation into that decision. thank you. <3
Lakin – I’m always amazed when God uses my words to touch someone. Thanks so much for sharing … and I bet God’s going to bless you somehow because of your decision today!
Such a beautiful post. We live in the Bay Area, and the pressure to “suceed” is palpable. I sit with you, listening, letting His truth wash away all anxiety, all fear. So grateful. Thank you.
Thanks Jennifer! That pressure to “succeed” is everywhere I’m afraid … I’m so thankful for God’s promises for something greater! Blessings to you!
I’m glad I read this today. So very thankful for these words. I’m trying to be more intentional about my time with Him–it seems I’m apt to take the long road, always tempted to detour, only to wind up dissapointed and hungry. Bless you.
I’m with you … my life is definitely full of detours – and you’re right … they lead to nothing but disappointment. I’m glad this blessed you today. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for writing this today. Touched my heart and I said a prayer for your family. I know God is going to bless you in a very special way today. Just a sweet smile from those you love will melt your heart. Great to hear how you are living out your faith and to know I am not the only one who struggles with the pull of the American dream. I pray for God’s dreams to always lead your way. Bless you. Sheryl
Sheryl, thanks so much for your prayers. It’s hard to compete with society sometimes, isn’t it? So glad you stopped by today!
I’ve never been sorry when I’ve chosen to sit. And that verse…so many *things* can be taken away but never that time with Him. Love your thought that God sometimes changes the words on the page. 🙂
Hey Sandra – don’t know how I missed this comment a couple weeks ago! It’s so true … our time with Him is the only thing that can’t be taken away from us. It stays with us. And I’ve found it makes my days easier.
Miss Crystal –
What a God-grande piece you’ve shared here. Looks like I’m a little late to the read, but the timeless messages still speak loud and clear.
Thank you.
Blessings.
Darlene you’re never too late! Glad you found this piece helpful, and thanks for stopping by!