Slowing Down to Rest: Five Minute Friday (Write)

Today I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo (from (in)courage) for a Five Minute Friday. The writing prompt for today is the word "write".

 

 

I’m working on slowing down. My goal is to achieve some rest for my weary soul. One way I am doing this is by setting aside time to write. At times, it is with pen and paper. At other moments I just allow my fingers to fly across the keyboard pouring out every thought in my mind. There is something freeing about taking this spaghetti dish of thoughts in my mind and sorting them out with written words.

Did you know some schools are choosing to no longer teach cursive writing? My heart drops at the thought. One of the greatest gifts I know of is the speed of writing thanks to that technique. Many of my prayers to God are in cursive. Note upon note of encouragement and gratitude flow in that way.

While I embrace the keyboard and all that computers offer us, we need to quit rushing. Taking time to write and express ourselves is one way to slow down. I’m thankful my children are still learning this art. I’m not looking for us to pull away from the world into seclusion. It’s just that forward progress doesn’t mean we need to get rid of everything in the past that worked.

You will often find me with a journal and pen on hand. Rarely do I go anywhere without it. My girls are following this trend. Sometimes it’s just because they love to draw but by soul does flips when I find their written words… especially when they are expressions from their deepest parts to God’s ears.

The written word is a gift.

 

How do you take time to slow down and find time to write?

I want to be comfortable (5 Minute Friday)

Today I'm linking up with Lisa Jo Baker for a Five Minute Friday. The writing prompt for today is the word "comfort".

This word leaves me longing. I think more than anything in this world, I long for comfort… above all. It leaves my heart twisted because I am well aware of the fact that I am supposed to love God above all. Nothing else. So comfort becomes my god. My idol. My sin. I have fallen short of God’s glorious standard in my pursuit of comfort simply because it has me pursuing everything in light of it.

I curl up on my sofa with a blanket and journal to meet with my God and realize that even in this, I am seeking comfort. I am not on my knees pouring my heart out to Him. I am keeping my toes warm with a blanket, sitting in comfort on my butt, coffee with flavored cream in hand and a bottle full of water within arm’s reach. Comfort is my everything and it is my distraction for pursuing my Creator with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

I tell my girls that they need to deny themselves in order to be a follower of Christ. This is what He tells us and yet what do I deny myself? When I want to taste something scrumptious, I buy it. If I am tired; I sleep (warm and cozy under my covers or cooled off in the summer with fan and central air). When I am exhausted, I justify checking out in front of the television or with a book.

But God is supposed to be my comfort. He is supposed to be the source of it all. Why is it so difficult for me to turn to the pages of His written word or fall on my knees to beg Him for help in my time of discomfort? This world makes it too easy. I want to be comfortable.

 

2 Corinthians 1:2-7

“May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.”