I Don’t Have Time For “Quiet Time”

“I’ve been really busy!”

I use this answer all the time when asked how I’ve been. It seems like everyone does. I use it when I don’t want to share what’s really been going on, or to avoid seeming boring, or because I really just have been busy. Saying and receiving this answer is natural to us.

But is it a good thing?

I didn’t think so as I sat at my cubical, tired and frustrated. It was the end of the day, Thursday, and by this point of the week I am usually spent. It’s times like these where I hate being busy.

I long for quiet, and stillness, and serenity.

For me, adulthood has meant being in a perpetually tired state, and I don’t even have children! From work, to school, to ministry, and the learning curve of being married, my hands are full.

The most challenging part of it all has been finding time to sit and be still with God.

I’d love to wake up at 10am, make a warm pot of breakfast tea, and curl up on the couch to have “quiet time.” I’d love to have more hours of the day where I can meet up with friends for coffee, and explore the great city I live in. I’d love to have a few uninterrupted hours where I can write, create, and pursue my passions.

I wish I could have that luxury, but the reality is that most of us don’t. We have jobs, crying babies, soccer practices to attend to, and homework to tend to. Though there are some variables that can ease up our calendars, there are some things we just can’t change. Our schedules can be demanding and we have responsibilities that we cannot omit.

Responsibilities are important, but so are our passions, our hobbies, and our walks with God.

[easy-tweet tweet=”Spending time with the Lord shouldn’t be a luxury—It should be a priority.” user=”@JaymeHull” hashtags=”#priority”]

And if there are things you aspire to do or be, like a writer, you have to write. Write anything! All the time! Never stop writing! (Currently typing this at work between calls).

We should always be working towards something, whether that’s a career, or bettering ourselves, learning a skill, etc.

So as I sat there, angry that my schedule sees few quiet hours, I decided to just open my Bible, and amidst the noise and hustle around me, God spoke through His Word and met me where I am.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

 

The Lord meets us where we are. We just have to reach for Him, and find Him in the storm.

There are days where I wake up and literally don’t know how I’m going to get through it because I am so physically tired. But I have learned to ask specific things in prayers such as energy, and joy, and peace.

 

We have to stop coming up with excuses, no matter how valid they may be. If something is really important to you, you have to take initiative and pursue it. Ideals get us nowhere. Determination moves us forward.

As always, you’re not alone. There is hope, and His name is Jesus.

Visit Stephanie’s website and read more at www.wordsunfolding.com