THE Relationship

An argument to start to the day, an unexpected twist in the plan, a little behind in time, and I was tense. When I noticed my teeth were clenched it was too late. (Place hand over mouth here to keep the scream inside.)

I needed some chocolate. I needed to escape the chaos. I needed a friend to pour out my woes upon.

All my options felt somehow hollow. I knew they would not really fill the empty place at the moment.

Pause. Breathe. Repeat.

I needed... Jesus. I needed to lean fully into the relationship that has never let me down, or left me alone. In my mind I was drowning in a sea of "why me, why today's" and his hand was reaching out to pull me up and out of the storm.

Would I grab on or turn away to food, to fleeing, or to other relationships?

Breathe, a little slower this time.

I accepted the hand and grasped the love offered to me every moment of every day. The argument still happened, plans were still changed, and we were still late, but I remembered what was truly important in that moment: a relationship of pure love and forgiveness.

Then, and only then, could I go about my day at peace. 

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deut. 31:8 NIV) 

I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. (Psalm 143:6-8 NIV)

"There is always sufficient reason for despair, but there is never sufficient purpose." ~Robert Brault

Jesus, I can breathe easily in our relationship. You are always beside me whispering love. Help me learn how to overflow with the same love onto those around me. Amen. 

Rushing Ruins the Present

I feel like I am in slow motion. Not that I drag through my life, but in comparison to the world outside my home, I am moving at a speed that in no way keeps up with the rest.

To be honest, I prefer it that way. Rushing ruins the present. When I am in a hurry to complete the task at hand, I miss out on lessons I may learn in the moment and turn a blind eye to the blessing of "now."

Ann Voskamp, the author of One Thousand Gifts, says, "Now is not an emergency to rip through, but a moment to embrace with gratitude." I want to be thankful for every moment I am given, not just thankful that I finished something or have something to look forward to in the future.

Others may choose to run. I will keep walking at a steady pace. I guarantee I will notice more along the journey and take time to thank the creator of the journey.


The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:1-4 NIV)


Song "Taking My Time"

Thank you, Lord, for leading me beside quiet waters and showing me the green pastures in a land full of distractions. Help me take this journey at a pace that pleases you. Amen.