Daily Archives: August 18, 2008

The past two weeks have been amazing! I’m glad to be back, but am now faced with the thick reality of how temporal the experiences were.

A week ago Saturday I drove home from Philadelphia. It was early morning. I spent my first fifteen minutes on the road watching a fly on my windshield. When that thrilling entertainment came to an end, I turned on a worship CD.

I love driving by myself. As I let my mind wander and my heart sing, unbidden tears streamed down my face. I didn’t even bother to wipe them away. I felt they were washing me clean as God revealed Himself to me. All the wonders I’ve taken for granted, the blessings I’ve felt entitled to, the miraculous journey He’s enabled me to take. I was overcome by humility, honor, and gratitude. Why would the Creator of the universe take an interest in me? Why would He care what happens to me? I belted out praises to Him. I confessed and prayed and then sang some more.

Now, we’re back to normal life. Vacation is over. My mountain-top conference experience is past. School starts in a matter of days, my calendar is already filled for the next few weeks, and where has my praise gone? It’s been shelved, as always happens when I get back to “normal” life. I hate it. I love those moments of intimacy with God! Why is it so difficult to maintain that closeness? Why, when I get in my routine, do I prioritize sleep over quiet times? Why do deadlines and schedules make my faith robotic? Do I really believe five minutes in the bathroom is enough to feel close to God?

Making time to be still is difficult, but it’s so worth it. What helps you find that time? How do you keep your relationship with God fresh? What do you do with “broken appointments” with Him?