An Extraordinary Fifteen Minutes …

“Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway?” Jeremiah 2:25

This whole message includes verses 25-35 and goes on to explain how we busy ourselves, focusing on things that really are not even of God — idols made of stone and wood. Then when things really test our resolve, we do what? Yep — call on the real God. Looks like times haven’t changed much. Why do we keep making the same mistakes, generation after generation? (That should be my next blog.)

Who are our idols (drive for material possessions, power of status, actors, athletes, ourselves)? What do we focus on, look to for comfort, need to have or be part of? We must do what we can to stay focused on the good and on things that glorify God. So what can we do to focus on Him and His ways versus the world and the world’s ways? Here are two things that I think can make a huge difference:

Take Five & Faith Infuse!

First, faith infuse. Read devotionals and blogs, just like this one! Tap into all God offers, any way you can. Listen to podcasts in idle time like car rides. Put kids’ Bible stories or radio on in your car during commutes with your children. Put teen Christian radio or Christian Hits on for older kids. Start or participate in group Bible studies, which will also give you great friends while learning.

Second, take five … or fifteen, for that matter. This is something my husband inspired me to do. He wakes each morning quite early. He knows that being rushed in the morning puts him at a disadvantage. Think of your morning routine: Often we are rushing around, scooting kids out the door, trying to head out the door ourselves for work or errands. Rushing results in us missing the little and wonderful ordinary things. Although fifteen minutes more sleep sounds heavenly, even after a night of sleep (albeit sometimes a short night), fifteen minutes for you to find joy in the ordinary things can make a huge difference. It takes the rush out of your morning. A little time to make a bed, let a child crawl on your lap for a moment, or wave at a neighbor as you pull out of your drive.

Fifteen minutes and faith-infused living for finding joy in the ordinary!

Blessings, Niccie Kliegl CLC, RN

Author of Awaking the Living Legacy