Listen
“If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” (James 1:5, NRSV)
Reflect
It is Wednesday morning. The day ahead is long and full. As I move my feet from my bed to the floor I say a breath prayer, “Lord, be with me today.” Rushing towards the subway, I revisit the tasks of the day in my mind and I have a sense of overload, feeling overwhelmed. But, at the same time, I feel good about myself. I am a busy worker for the Lord. He must be proud of me. While others are sleeping, I have already started the day, and will live this day truly sacrificially. Then I think of that pastor who is probably spending all morning driving children around, and again, I feel good about myself. And I remember that that missionary likes to sleep in, but I am an early riser. I work longer days for God. I am not “wasting” time, I am busy and productive. And again, I pat myself on the back and think that I am pretty cool.
Then, as I rush towards the subway on my almost 10 minute walk, I pass by these beautiful red bushes. They catch my attention and I stop to take a photo. They shout glory to God and surrender. They were vibrant green a few weeks ago, but they are changing colors, according to a rhythm that God gave them. And then I remember – those who are wise live their lives in the rhythms of the Holy Spirit. Busyness does not equal wisdom. Productivity and efficiency are measured differently in the Kingdom of God.
On that short walk towards the subway, my prayers changed. And so did my heart. Make me a wise woman, oh Lord, a woman who lives her life not feeling overwhelmed and proud, but a woman who lives in dependence on you. Make me a woman who seeks your face and your heart, more than the self-righteous gratification of a busy schedule. The days of the wise may look different in the eyes of the foolish, but let me not be foolish. Thank you for your gentle invitation to look to you for wisdom and for your generosity in giving it.
Prayer of Response:
“Thank you for lifting my eyes to you, God, giver of wisdom. You are gentle and kind. You want my heart more than my hands. Let me not fill my day today with so many activities and things that I can’t even see you, but capture my eyes and my heart and give me the wisdom to seek you in all things, first and foremost. Amen.”
—Submitted by Diana Anton
Diana and her husband, Bogdan, serve as missionaries in Bucharest, Romania, with Josiah Venture. She writes and speaks to inspire joy and point to Jesus, her first love. You can join her journey of life in the big city, while being a farm girl at heart, on her blog www.lifeonfarmroad.com
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