Quiet Time
Quiet time. For me it’s a time to quiet my mind and soul. And it can happen any time of day or night.
MORNING
Most days, I wake up, check my First 5 App, get moving with some kind of exercise and then settle in for some time where I can ground myself and allow God to set the tone for my day. During this time, I am literally inviting God to nurture and strengthen me from the inside out. I have a variety of sources that I use as guides, the most important being the Bible. I may read the Word, write the Word, work on a memory verse or passage of Scripture and pray and talk to God. I’m usually seeking guidance or I just want to talk to Him and share what’s on my mind. Then I ask Him to open my eyes and heart to be open, looking for opportunities throughout the day to share His love with others.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8
ANY TIME
I’ve discovered that starting my day connecting with God is good, but not enough. I need Him all day long. And usually there are multiple moments during the day, that I need to just Stop. Pause. Take a moment.
One Minute Pause – a couple times a day, take one minute to take a few deep breaths and reset my thoughts on the Lord and His goodness. Often one minute turns to 3, 5 or 10. I have found this to be a good reset when I need it. Setting my phone alarm helps me with this. I usually set it for 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. I also use this during transition moments like before I begin work and when I end work and return home.
Mid-Day Walk – My office is located in the adorable small town of Matthews, NC. It’s the perfect location for a stroll through town, providing beautiful scenes and people living their lives. During my walk, I try to look around and appreciate God’s creation of nature and life. There’s always someone to say “hi” to and so much to be grateful for. And for those remote days, my neighborhood offers reminders of other people and families, an occasional deer and the usual ducks and geese gathered around the small pond down the street. It’s amazing what a 10 minute walk can do for the mind!
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5
END OF DAY
This one is new to me and inspired by my husband. After dinner (or before- depending on what time we eat), he will sit in a quiet space either outside or inside (depending on the weather) and reflect on his day. He has a “planner” that helps guide him and he swears by it! I realized that I’ve been starting off strong each day, but just ending kind of blah. So, I have just started this too! I’ll update after I’ve consistently done this for a while.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
MIDDLE OF NIGHT (when I can’t sleep)
These times come way too often! “They” say it’s part of being in my mid-50’s. You know. iykyk
Instead of hating these times in the night, I’ve started putting them to good use by practicing my memory verses! Any verses that I’ve been working on or already learned, I’ll just start reciting them in my mind. I think most of the more recent ones I’ve learned have been due to my mid-night wake ups. And if I don’t feel like doing that, then I just say the Lord’s Prayer over and over, pausing after each line to reflect on what that means for me today. (Thank you Andy Stanley for that idea!)