Reservations

“Hello, yes, this is God calling. I’d like to make a reservation . . .”

What would you do if you really got that call? Would you spring into action, preparing for His arrival?

Would you reserve the best seat in the house for him, near the window where the sun shines in at just the right angle?

Would you set a place for him with the best china, fine linens and silver, along with the prettiest bouquet money could buy?

Do you think you would remember that He was coming? Or would you get too busy with other visitors and then be surprised when He arrived?

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:20 ESV

Planning

In my last post, I shared my process for setting up my agenda for the beginning of the year, complete with stickers and colorful pens.

Agendas and planners are helpful for making sure we get things done, as well as aiding us in avoiding time wasters. But if we’re not careful, we can fill up the schedule with everything but the most important — time with our Heavenly Father.

This year I have been much more intentional about taking Sundays off. I cook (I don’t think I should make the family starve) and clean up the kitchen (not wanting to feed any critters), but that’s about it for chores.

Sundays are set aside for worship with my church family, and then for resting. That might include additional Bible reading or study, coloring in my journaling Bible, working on puzzles or walking on the beach. It’s necessary down time that I need to recharge for the week ahead.

Here’s the nice sticker I put on the first Sunday of September — the day after Eat an Extra Dessert Day! I may need to sleep off those extra calories . . .

Since this is already a habit in progress, I’ve only put reminders on the first Sunday of every month to make sure I don’t get off course. This one reminds me of Psalm 46:10, which says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (ESV) Nothing in this world is greater than my God, and nothing can ever overtake Him.

Other sticker reminders make me think of Psalm 23:3, “He restores my soul.” It brings awareness of the truth that nothing truly restores me like spending time with my Shepherd!

May’s sticker reminds me to “Delight [myself] in the LORD, and he will give [me] the desires of [my] heart.” If He is my delight, that’s where my desires will be focused as well. Nothing in this world can ever compare!

Looking Ahead

The beginning of the year brings the feeling of a blank canvas waiting for the artist to create a masterpiece. Or the opening scene of an epic Broadway show, filled with promise of an enthralling storyline. Or the opportunity to begin anew.

Whatever feelings this new year brings, may you be sure to keep God at the top of your priority list!

Are you taking reservations? Does God have a regular time reserved in your schedule for the coming year? If not, maybe it’s time to write Him in!