Four chairs snuggled up to the kitchen table like a thirsty cowboy to a bar after a long, dusty trail ride. She patted one of the chairs and said, “At 7:05, me and Jesus time happens here. But you can sit in one of the other chairs.”
My wife and I were on our final trip to see our Arkansas family. Our son-in-law had accepted a transfer back to our home state. We planned to bring back our three grandboys before our daughter and son-in-law’s move a few days later.
Finding a place to set up my computer station for writing, editing, and social media posting has always been challenging when we visited. With grandboys in tow, safe and uncluttered places were few. This time proved even more dangerous because a two-year-old toddler bounced around like a tornado in an alley.
But that wasn’t the most pressing problem. Not wanting to store any more belongings than necessary until they found their next residence, my daughter sold almost all the furniture. We even had to bring along our camping chairs to have a place to sit during the day. Fortunately, she had not sold the kitchen table—although it was on the list to be sold the day after we left.
At 6:15, I assumed my position at the table to write, edit, and post on social media. Sure enough, thirty minutes later—a little earlier than she had said—my daughter appeared with her Bible, journal, pen, highlighter, and coffee. Her Jesus time was at hand, and she didn’t plan to miss it.
Although my time with Jesus looked slightly different than hers, I had mine too. Mine entailed a computer, banging on a keyboard, and drinking a cup of orange juice—coffee would come later.
I learned about Jesus time from my parents and grandparents. Although none of them had theirs at the same time, I watched them read their Bibles and pray. Some observed their Jesus time in the morning, some at night, and some during the day. But they had it.
Dad taught me about having my own Jesus time when I was elementary age. He told me I needed to read my Bible and pray daily. So I did. At night, I took out my King James Version of the Bible—although I didn’t understand many of the words, it was the only translation we had in the house and almost the only one you could purchase—perched on my bed, and read. When I lay down to sleep, I said my prayers.
Though the years, I’ve maintained my Jesus time. How it looks has changed, but it’s still that time when I get alone with God, pour over his Word, pray, and listen for his Spirit to guide me. My Jesus time comes a little here and a little there during the day, but it always comes. I observe it during the good times, and I continue having it during the challenging times when life gets busy. Sometimes, my Bible is in hand, and at other times, it’s on an iPad.
Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.
~Luke 10:39 NLT
Like Mary, I sit at the feet of Jesus, so to speak, and listen. Martha was busy. Nothing wrong with that. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” but we need time daily when we get still and sit at Jesus’ feet for Jesus time.
Seeing my daughter have her Jesus time made me proud. I taught her well and gave her an example.
We all need moments with Jesus daily. How else can we navigate this thing called life, love the unlovable, be patient, trust during difficult times, make wise decisions, etc.? Our days can get busy, but we should never be too occupied to have Jesus time.
What are some ways you can ensure your Jesus time occurs?
That special time makes all the difference in the day. Thanks, Martin.
Thanks, Diana.
Such an important part of the day. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks, Lisa.