Monthly Devotional

Time Out

September 2008

Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
(Psalm 86:11)

As we biked along the trail, a sweet scent filled the air. "Let's stop and smell the honeysuckle!" Julia called out. I'd heard of stopping to smell the roses, but this was a new twist. My husband, Will, taught the girls how to eat the honeysuckle. When we stopped for a break, we laughed together and reminisced about former biking trips. We reconnected. It didn’t take us long to realize how badly we needed that family outing. We had spent our spring zipping in different directions, tag-team parenting, and man-on-man defense. Will coached Julia's soccer, while I kept score at Christine's softball practices and directed her musical rehearsals.

A priceless June afternoon. A fragrant weed. So inexpensive, so simple, so delicious. Was that the catalyst for us to consider something different for fall? A decision to take a time out on organized sports? We knew we'd miss soccer and softball and practice and games, and the athletic improvement another season would bring, but what would we miss as a family if we didn't take a break? Perhaps the sweetness of honeysuckle. Perhaps the opportunity to get to know each other and ourselves better.

Now as we head back to school, we delight in listing fun possibilities for our fall: visiting out-of-town friends, beachcombing, camping with our dog Bonnie, having Friday overnights. We’ll have the time to really hear all about middle school and fourth grade and dad’s business trips. And the relationships borne of this choice will not be measured in dollars— but in just making sense.

What will you gain by taking a new look at your schedule? Is there something you need to say “No” to for a season? It might feel both scary and exciting, but fall means an opportunity for a fresh start. Try unloading your backpack and only re-packing what is needed to keep an undivided heart—a heart focused on what is truly important for you and your family.

Lord, Teach me to number my days aright, that I may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12) How do you want me to spend my time and energy? Guide me to say, “yes” to what I need to do and “no” to what is too much. As you teach me your way, I will walk in your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. And in all that I do, may I glorify You.

Copyright © 2008 - Ann Marie Stewart. All rights reserved.

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