Harry Nilsson - Greatest Hits
Love Actually
You've Got Mail: Music From The Motion Picture
Both Sides Now
Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together
Tough Choices: A Memoir
Making Sense of Spiritual Warfare
Humility
Hopelessly Devoted
Posted on Tuesday 5 June 2007 by Jeanie @ 7:58 pm
Filed under: Mi familia and Photos of the Fam and Stuff I actually think and Worship
Try this: tell your spouse, "To prove my total devotion to you, I am committing to getting up 15 minutes early everyday and just focusing on you." It may happen. It may not. Life can get hectic. See how devoted your spouse now believes you are?
"Having devotions" for most Christians, it seems, has become synonymous with "setting aside a few minutes" to pray and read the Bible. I hesitate to say, "If we committed to our marriages in the same way they wouldn't be in very good shape," because sadly, many aren't and for that very reason.
I love newlyweds. They are embarrassingly devoted. They are ooey and gooey and so "in to" each other. They actually enjoy one another. Because of all the conversation going on, they have a lot of secrets that pass lovingly between them. They sit at Village Inn talking, really talking, glad to be together and saddened by the married couples all around them who read their books and newspapers without even looking at one another and speak only to ask for the salt.
My son Rocky got married in September. Watching Jovan preparing to marry him reminded me of earlier times in my love for Jesus Christ - when I looked for Him everywhere. I wanted to hear His words, be in His Presence. His opinion mattered most. To actually be like Him was a goal to attain. A bride's whole world is in bringing joy to the one she loves. "I am my beloved's and He is mine…"
Early one morning a couple of weeks ago, I read something very simple and gentle that stopped me in my tracks. It was one of those light bulb moments. But the day wore on. It slipped from my mind (short circuit). Surfing late-night TV, I suddenly heard the author of what I'd read quoting his own book - the exact words. I am pretty sure God was trying to make sure I really heard this:
What sweet invitation. I was somehow thinking that the pursuit of His Presence was elusive at times. Why, I wondered, am I so aware of Your Presence sometimes and at other times I am wondering where You are? Maybe because while I was desiring to be in that place of peace and joy, I wasn't really "there." Maybe it has been me missing from those uncomfortable void times?
Yesterday I noticed that everytime I interrupted Dave for absolutely nothing important, just something I wanted to say, he stopped what he was doing and looked at me and engaged. There have been times when he hasn't, when he has kept his eyes on his computer and said "Uh-huh…" and though we were in the same room, he wasn't really with me. That's how it can be. I am just as guilty. But Dave immediately hearing me, looking toward me - that careful attention melts my heart towards him.
I am certain that my presence toward God will do the same.
Be blessed in all your comings and goings today. I think God is looking for you. Jeanie
NOTE TO SELF: "The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him…" Ps. 25.14 Move in close and listen for His secrets.