The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists in shoving it all back, in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.
I love this CS Lewis quote. And under normal circumstances, it would make perfect sense. At least Monday through Friday, we awake and begin to think about all the things we must do – the people to call, the projects to finish, the homework to get done and the planning for the next day.
Now, many find themselves with lots of time on their hands. The need to wolf down a piece of toast and grab of cup of coffee for the road is gone. Now, you wonder how you can make the day productive.
There are many reasons not to like what the coronavirus has done to our country and to our own lives. But maybe there is a small silver lining in all of this. We can use the time to get reacquainted with our Bibles.
Busy people tell me how hard it is to maintain a regular time of study and prayer. The tyranny of the urgent captures our attention and pushes us to take things that might be important and move them to the top of the “get it done now list.” It’s so easy for so many to push Bible reading and prayer aside with the thought, “I will get to this later.”
That’s way the Lewis quote is something to ponder. The first, most important, even urgent thing we can do at the beginning of our day is to let that “…larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.”
So, here’s a tip for you: Start your day with Jesus. Warm up by remembering your baptism. Make the sign of the cross and be comforted that you were baptized in the name of the Triune God - the God who made you, redeemed you and called you to faith.
Stretch yourself by spending time reading Treasuring God's Word or a favorite devotional. Listen to that "other voice," the One that has given you new life. Journal the insights you discover or record the Word that God speaks to you, a Word you can carry with you throughout the day.
Don't be in a hurry. Take time to pray, asking the Lord for His help with the fears, concerns & challenges that Covid-19 has brought to your life and the lives of others. Pray for family, friends, church family and those you do not know – people suffering from the virus, people mourning the passing of those afflicted from the virus, the health care professionals who are on the front lines, so to speak, caring for the sick and suffering. Give thanks for all the blessings you’ve received from the gracious hand of God. Then, whatever the day might bring, be confident that the Lord is with you always. God bless your time with the Lord today!
