Root & Grow

Of all the things I'm really bad at there is one that strikes me as the most problematic.

I am bad at stopping. Now, I can lounge anytime day or night, but get me in a good flow of housework or creativity (or probably even lounging, let's be honest) and stopping what I'm doing feels like pulling teeth.

I struggle with stopping my laundry folding to go get my kids from school, I struggle with halting the garage clean-out to break for lunch, and I struggle with quitting whatever I'm doing at the moment to spend time with Jesus in prayer. It's not terribly difficult to see which of those examples is the most problematic of the three.

I have a hard time making time for Jesus.

I see Him on the periphery, sort of waiting for me to finish up and come to be with Him, patiently, longingly, tenderly. Even for just a few minutes here and there. Maybe some time in the morning, and some time in the afternoon, or in the evening after the kids have gone to bed. And even though I have a fixed time for prayer each day, I find myself pushing it back so often—just after I finish the dishes . . . just let me straighten the couch first . . . just five more minutes . . . just . . . .

It's hard to even write these words. Embarrassing, even. Because I know the truth, and I know how much my soul needs time alone with God, how much my soul needs sowing. A clean kitchen doesn't till our spiritual soil, neither does a consistent laundry flow. The act of stopping, and turning towards Jesus is what makes my heart ripe for the harvest, and the time in the quiet, waiting and watching, is where the seed can grow.

Lord, help us to hear Your whisper and to stop for it, so that in spending time alone with You, You can continue to work the stones from our hearts, and make us souls who can root and grow.

Jesus is what makes my heart ripe for the harvest. // Blythe FikeClick to tweet

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