Finding Time with Jesus
This past week, I was humbled by one of my four year old students. We were sitting in Bible time talking about young Jesus in the temple. As we talked about how Jesus stayed in the temple to talk and learn from the teachers as his earthly mother and father looked for him, one of my four year students said with plenty of sass, “Didn’t Mary and Joseph know that Bible time is the most important part of the day?”
I stifled a giggle as I thought about how we always start Bible time by saying, “Bible time is the most important part of the day.” This little girl had a point though. Mary and Joseph, parents of a preteen boy, likely thought the worst of what Jesus could have been doing, but instead they found him among the teachers in the temple learning and taking time to spend with God.
How often have I forgotten that Bible time is the most important time of the day? I was brought to my knees when I reflected on myself. Many times, I find myself “too busy” to sit among our ultimate teacher. Sometimes it can even feel like a chore instead of life giving water for my soul. All I can do is throw up my hands and say, “Forgive me for the times that I forget what is most important and help me to consistently seek you.”
As I reflect on that confession, I made a list of things to connect to God’s Word through my daily life even if I feel “too busy”. My prayer is that it could help someone else in forming routines in light of a connection with Jesus.
Pray while you brush your teeth. Take those two minutes to say a prayer. It could be what you are thankful for, what you need help with to survive the day, or even pray for the people around you.
Use your commute. Time in the car is a perfect time to listen to a podcast, Christian radio, or even someone reading the Bible. (This also works while doing household chores like the dishes or cooking)
Leave yourself encouragement notes. Write out Bible passages or encouraging thoughts and leave them where you might need to be encouraged like the mirror, fridge, dashboard, or anywhere!
Connect your Bible reading to something you enjoy. Can you journal your reflections, doodle a sketch, sing a song, or anything else you enjoy?
Share the good news! Having someone to chat about what you read makes it more exciting. Having someone to keep you accountable makes it easier to get in a routine and be consistent in your life.
Let us know what you are doing to stay connected to your Savior when life gets busy. How do you remember and show that “Bible time is the most important time of the day”?
Dear Heavenly Father, You are a forgiving, loving God. Forgive me for the times that I let the world get in the way of time with you. Give me the strength to stay consistent in my journey to you. May you bless my efforts and open my eyes to the life changing impacts as I get closer to you. Amen