Do you have a favourite time of day to clear your mind of everything? In our house I am usually the first up, and so my time is usually first thing in the morning. However, occasionally I had to wait until the end of the day to grab those quiet few minutes. For me it is a time to be able to be in the moment, a time of renewal and a time to get back the equilibrium that I need before moving on. I would challenge anyone who says that they don’t need that ‘time out’ to refresh and rejuvenate!
It might be a walk in the park, or time in a quiet corner with a good book, or it may be more energetic like going for a run or a swim. Whatever it is that helps you to clear your mind of everyday hassles is just as important as everything else you do in a day.
One such time for me stands out in my mind. In years past I often took groups of Girl Guides camping. During these trips I rarely got any time alone and I certainly didn’t get that peaceful time first thing in the morning! After two or three days of being in constant demand I was running out of energy, the ability to think and certainly patience! Thankfully that evening everyone was in their tents early and I was able to grab a few minutes alone. That night the sky was clear and as I looked up into a deep blue sky there was a magnificent display of stars before me. It was awesome! Like a child I threw myself on the ground, looking up at the sight, with the sound of the wood crackling on the campfire to serenade me. I was probably only laid there a matter of minutes, but it felt like eternity, and I was ‘lost in the moment’.
Paul, in his letter to the Romans reminds us about what is to come.
“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us”. Romans 8:18
Can you even start to imagine how much suffering Jesus must have experienced as he was led to the cross. We cannot start to imagine what He went through. His life and ministry all led up to that point, and certainly wasn’t plain sailing. As he travelled around, going amongst the people, coping with crowds, being questioned by them, and challenged too he rarely got a minute to himself. He must have craved for the space, the peace, and the opportunity to clear his mind. We know that at these times he often snatched a few minutes to take himself off to pray, putting His complete trust in His Father.
What a marvellous God we have that can make such marvellous things and can instantly and wonderfully create calm in our lives. He promises us that any suffering we currently have will be blown into oblivion when he reveals the glory to come in all its splendour. WOW! I have this vision of the most magnificent firework display as His glory is revealed to us. He is our All in All.
Father, no matter what we experience in this world,
We thank you for reminding us of all that is to come.
Like the wonderful display of stars in the sky,
You are beyond comprehension.
Help us to open our minds, and to see and hear all you reveal to us. Amen.
Kathy Shaw
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