I often feel like I’ve failed before I even open my eyes in the morning. It’s a tough way to start the day. Mentally, I go through the pressing “have-to-do-checklist.” My brain scrambles to eliminate things—whatever it can—in an effort to manage the panic. Unfortunately, that means I tend to put off the things that are most important (devotions and prayer, quality time with family, working out) for tomorrow, but tomorrow rarely comes.
As one day bleeds into the next, a dull gray of guilt settles over me. Then I notice “the chair.” My guilt pierces me like a sword to the heart. The chair resides in my living room and became “the chair” after a conversation with wise friend. She told me that more than anything; God wanted a relationship with me. And every relationship requires time. She challenged me to pick a prominently visible chair in my house. She went on to tell me that I should picture the Lord there—waiting for me. In fact, He is waiting—patiently—for me.
Why is it so easy to neglect God? If my husband, child or friend were sitting in “the chair” I wouldn’t leave them there, unattended and ignored for days. I would drop whatever preoccupied me. I would make them a priority, and the object of my love. God desires the same from me. The promise of what our relationship can become is infinite.
I hope that by sharing this I’m not adding to your guilt…that isn’t my intention! God loves moms, and He knows that a mom’s time isn’t always her own. The reality is that I will miss “chair” time with God…sometimes. When I do, I can invite God to go with me on my crazy days—in the car, at the store, at work. I can serve others in word and deed, keeping Him in mind—like He was right there with me. If I can do that, He will be pleased. In fact, It’s Better Than a Hallelujah…Sometimes.
