At any given moment of the day we can be bombarded with a constant stream of information, messages and images. Radio, television and computer pop-ups are all vying for our attention: Hear this, buy this, and update that. How do we separate out the noise from what really matters? How do we connect with what is really important; mainly relationship with God?
If we are going to connect with God and hear from him we need to engineer our days so that instead of being blasted by useless information we are saturated by reminders of him. After God called Abraham and promised him that he would become a great nation, Abraham pitched his tent between
We need those visual reminders in a loud and hectic world. I have a few reminders in my home that direct my attention to him, reminding me of my need for connection to the Almighty. They are simple things really, but provide a place of focus for me. One is the container that holds my ground coffee. It’s just a simple glass canister with a little chalkboard on it, probably not the Starbucks recommended way of storing beans, but very effective for me just the same. On the chalkboard I usually write words or bits of scripture that God has brought to my attention, reminders of what he has spoken and what he has done. I also have painted a scripture on the wall above the window in our kitchen. Since I spend so much time in that room it’s easy for me to see those and remember how good God has been to me.
God designed us for connection with him, but it doesn’t just happen. Just as any relationship takes work and time spent face to face, our relationship with God takes effort on our part. But, do you know what? It’s worth it; worth the effort to focus not on the noise of the world (our own personal Ai) but to focus on God. When we purpose ourselves to remember him and place visual cues all around us he will let us find him. His Word gives us these promises: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” “Seek and you will find.” “Come to me, all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest.” He is true to his word and he will be true to us if we purpose in our hearts to focus solely on him. The key to connection for me is visual, which may not be the case for you, but let this be your challenge to find some way to remind yourself to take time out to focus on him. Turn off the computer, turn off your iPod, turn off any other distractions and focus on him. You will not regret it.
So, that is it-my word for the year: connect. This is my reminder that I need to connect with God daily, throughout each day. It's not just about some sort of quiet time or devotional hour-but a living breathing connection all day long. I was just reading about this here; reading about what the church fathers called Otium Sanctum, literally "holy leisure." It's the idea that we live every day with a sense of balance and the ability to be at peace no matter what the day holds. It's living with an awareness of the beauty that is around us and walking through the day with the purposeful thought to pace ourselves. This balance lends itself to connection with God, makes it easier to slow down and focus on him. That's what I want my 2008 to be all about; connecting with Him, living in holy leisure.
What about you?
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Two years ago, my word for the year was "abide". I loved it. It's a good habit. Or, lifestyle. I didn't pick a word last year. Or this year.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the connection.