I woke up late today. Just enough time to feed the teenagers and get them off to school. Then the dilemma: go meet with God or NOT. The two little ones (they are 8 and 11) are waiting for our homeschool day to begin. So I reflect. When I had all of them at home, I took my quiet time on the couch first thing after breakfast everyday, regardless the hour. They knew to leave me alone until I was done. Everyone was happier for it. Mom is a better person once she has met with the Lord. Now if I get up at the usual hour I have my time in the living room, but if it is late like today, I retreat to the bedroom for my time. It’s difficult though… I can get lost in this place and not come down till lunch time.

There are always distractions calling. The computer that is my partner and ally for communication, has distractions. Months ago I vowed to not open my email or Facebook page until the important stuff is taken care of. It is a struggle. There are so many things to be taken care of. Many times I take a peak at lunch time or while the boys are doing math sheets.

But my Lord made one thing VERY clear. “ME first,” he said.

God before stories… God before husband… God before kids… My Lord is before my to do list and all my friends. When I surrender just a few moments of my time, I live fully in who he wants me to be. I don’t scream at my kids (as much.) I don’t really even melt down anymore. I thought about that the other day when I was overwhelmed with emotion. That would have been a prime time for a melt-down. But I didn’t. I went to my journal and poured my cares out on my God.

So I sit at his feet. This is the place I never want to leave some times… hearing his sweet voice whispering through his word…. Wrapped in the blanket of his presence.

Psa 5:1-12 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. (2) Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. (3) In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. (7) But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. (11) Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (12) For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.