{A repost for this upcoming holiday weekend that can get busy!} After two full weeks, we rolled into the weekend aching for that extra hour of sleep & slow coffee sipping that Saturday morning typically bring. Several busy Saturdays had passed, so one without plans was a great Valentine’s gift for this family weary from subtraction worksheets, conference calls, marketing meetings, a rosy-cheeked teething toddler, and laundry that multiplies exponentially after a trip out of town.
We stayed in our sweats & pjs well after breakfast, built train tracks, and played hide and seek. I relished in the unscheduled time with my family–especially so many minutes with Mark. Rather than quick kisses by the back door, we had time for slow kitchen kisses in the middle of washing breakfast dishes. Luxurious time to relive moments from the week we hadn’t share with each other. Time to hold hands, time to really hear each other’s words.
Remarkably, I noticed a day in my husband’s presence, basking in his love for me made me more responsive to him, further ready to lay aside my wants & desires for his, and it filled me with an overflow of love that I couldn’t help but pour upon my children as we collaborated to create a sweet family day together.
Saturday was a gift (from the giver of all good gifts), but the joy I feel from being in Mark’s presence will soon fade. But, when I am aware of my Father’s presence throughout the day. When we don’t have quick moments together in the morning, but I rise early to hear his perspective on moments from the day before, I am ready to lay down my wants & desires for His {good & perfect} will. When I am conscious of His love lavished on me throughout the day, I can’t help but pour it onto Mark, the kids, and the cashier at Costco. As I am confident that He is present, I am peace-filled even as days get messy.
The Bible reminds us many times that God is with us wherever we go–so if His presence doesn’t change, why don’t I always feel aware of it? A couple of tricks that have helped me to be more conscious of His presence throughout the day.
1) Take time: for me, rising earlier than my family to spend time {uninterrupted} with God works best; but, regardless of which time of day works for you, set it aside and be with Him. It is difficult to be filled by the presence of someone you barely know.
2) Meditate: after you’ve spent time with Him, write down a verse and post it where you’ll see it, or (my favorite) just leave your Bible open where you’ll see it and read it during your day–for me that spot is on the kitchen counter (any other mommas feel like you live in the kitchen?) where I can chop onions and review my verse.