One of the biggest vacation challenges for me is having my quiet time. Somehow time away from my usual routine doesn't equal extended quiet time, more reading with the girls, or any of the other things I pack with great hopes.
Is it the same for you?
I did pretty well while we were in Fairbanks. We rented a house with room enough for everyone to have their own bedroom and bathroom, and a living room to share. Because I got up early, I made the coffee and found a spot on the couch to spread out and read and pray each morning. But as soon as we ended up in a hotel room in Alyeska, it just didn't happen.
And it showed.
I've often said that about a day or two is all I can handle without my morning time with God, and it's so true. By day two, the wheels came off and it was ugly. Yes, there were some parenting issues that came up and needed to be dealt with--but nothing really out of the ordinary. What was out of the ordinary was that I was running on empty--so everything felt blown way out of proportion and like the world was falling apart.
One of the verses I love is this one (in fact, it's on the back of my business cards):
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14
I need my time in the morning with God--because without it, I'm dissatisfied and joy is awfully hard to come by. I need God to fill me so that I have something to offer my family and those around me. Without it, I feel needy, like I have to grab satisfaction from others--who may or may not have something to give me.
We got home Wednesday morning and I went right back to bed. Yesterday I overslept and rushed out the door to get to our appointments on time. This morning, I got up and grabbed some coffee, sat in my favorite chair, and soaked in the satisfaction that God had waiting for me.
Everyone's still asleep--and I've been able to catch up on some email, be still and quiet, and just rest. Finally...
When women ask me about my quiet time, this is what I usually talk about. Satisfaction. Rest. Peace. Quiet. Having my quiet time every morning isn't about getting up early and checking it off my list. It's not something I do because I think I should or because I feel guilty if I don't. I need this time. Desperately. Each and every day.
More than anything else, quiet time in the morning--reading the Bible, praying, studying, and journaling--is what God has used to teach me, to reveal himself, to give me hunger for him, and to satisfy that hunger with his presence.
Some of you have asked, and this is what my new book is about. It's coming out in the fall from Kregel. Here's the working cover and title--which may change, but I really like it:
Download misplacing_god_cover.pdf
I can't get the picture to show up in the post, but you can see it if you click on it--it shows up huge, not sure why. Anyway, what do you think?
Hey! I've SOOO missed you!
P.s. Is that your rear sticking outta the box?
<3 u~
Posted by: Susan | June 27, 2008 at 07:41 AM
The cover looks great... and I like the title too! Glad you are home safely and able to catch up on your quiet morning time.
Posted by: julie | June 27, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Too cute! Sign me up for a copy!!!
Posted by: Kimberly | June 27, 2008 at 12:53 PM
I know just how you feel. I sometimes resent it if I hear the pitter patter of little feet (or big lumbering ones--my kids are 10 and nearly 12) before I'm filled for the day.
Sounds like you had a great vaca, though.
Blessings,
gretchen
Posted by: Gretchen | June 27, 2008 at 04:44 PM
I love the cover of the book. It is intriguing to me and makes me want to pick it up and read it. Life is busy... I'm still struggling to "find the time". A little backwards thinking... maybe now is a good time to revamp that thinking. Thanks for your inspirations. The pictures from Alaska have been amazing.
Posted by: angela | June 27, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Love that cover Joanne! It's really cute!
So glad you guys had a lovely holiday!
Posted by: annie | June 27, 2008 at 05:08 PM
I really like the title and the cover. I also can't wait to read it. I definately feel as though I've misplaced God these days. My calendar has taken over my life.
Posted by: Mary | June 28, 2008 at 05:11 AM
Wow, the issue of time and not spending enough quality time with God, and everyone else has really been on my heart lately. Days turn into weeks and before you know it, months. Again you have encouraged me to make time. bless.
Posted by: mel | June 28, 2008 at 05:36 AM
I always think, "When summer gets here, I'll have soooo much more quiet time." Never seems to happen. Glad to know I'm not the only one who strugles with this.
Love the book cover! Looking forward to reading it.
Blessings!
Posted by: Dawn W | June 28, 2008 at 08:49 AM