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reflections

Years ago I read “Renewing Your Spiritual Passion” by Gordon MacDonald.  One of the points he emphasizes is the need for rest and reflection if we are to stay spiritually healthy.

God understood this when he created the Sabbath.  Jesus modeled it to his disciples by getting up early to pray.

The rest of us struggle to find a balance.  Or, if we do find time to rest we forget to reflect.  We don’t ask questions like … “Why am I here?” “Am I being a good steward of my life?”  “What one thing do I need to do different?”

Reflection may not come naturally to us.  We live busy lives and fill our time doing busy things.  Busyness does not lead to godliness, however.

I’ve been reflecting lately, mostly in the early morning hours before everyone else gets up.  I fix coffee, listen to music, and pray.  And listen.  What is God trying to tell me?  What does he want me to know?

I don’t profess to know the exhaustive answer to those questions.  I do believe he wants me to be a good steward of the time and talents he has granted me.  There are times when I feel like a poor steward, reacting to the circumstances of life rather than creating them.

Sometimes a growing frustration can be a sign that friction is coming from being out of alignment.  Other times it might be last night’s dinner.

When I am being a good steward of my time and talents, I feel very much aligned. I’m reminded of Eric Liddell’s line in Chariot’s of Fire: “When I run I feel the pleasure of God.” I know when those times are in my life. I know when I feel it and when I don’t.

We need to reflect at both times. I need to reflect at both times.