Growing up, I was pushed to be book smart. My brothers are extremely intelligent so the assumption was made, I too, would be intelligent. Nothing less than a grade of ‘A’ was acceptable to my parents.
Unfortunately, being book smart doesn’t necessarily translate to understanding relationships – especially with a heavenly father you can neither see nor touch. Several years ago, I tried doing what any book smart raised person would do. I went searching for answer in books. I read books from various authors on how to grow closer to God, how to hear his voice, how to feel and be in his presence.
Then I started asking myself why as a younger person, I had felt close to him and why I no longer did. What was different? I realized two things had changed over the years in my life. The first was that as a child, I “played” church – a lot! I would take my nightstand and prop the family bible on it. I would then raise my hands up as I had seen our priest do and read God’s word as it was written in the bible. My stuffed animals made a good congregation and were quite attentive during my sermons!
The second thing that changed was my engagement from when I was a young adult to a fully grown, on my own, adult. I still was taking time to pray when I wasn’t distracted by life or when I didn’t fall asleep first. I still went to church most Sundays on my way to the grocery store or to meet up with friends. I still read books on how to be a good Christian in between the technical manuals I needed to read and understand for my job. I even read my bible occasionally although the old testament quite often went in one ear and out the other as my mind wandered to my extensive “to do” list.
I think you are getting the picture. As time went by, I became less and less engaged in my relationship with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit. As a teen, if for some reason, my parents weren’t going to church, I would hop on my bike and pedal the five miles there. In school (Catholic), I was always volunteering to read the scriptures at mass. In the classroom, I took my religion class seriously. I didn’t let life get in the way of God to the extent I was as an adult.
Now a responsible grownup, there was a boss to answer to, schoolwork to complete, a house and family to care for. The demands of being an adult seemed to suck every minute out of every day. Looking back, I realize a couple of things.
- Partying with friends isn’t a necessity
- Household chores will always exist (think Mary and Martha)
- My family can rely on themselves for the many things I was doing for them
- Perfection is neither a requirement nor a healthy attitude
- When I take time for God, I have more time in my day
- I can talk to God anytime – while driving, cleaning, or grocery shopping (not so much when I’m cooking!)
Just for today, make the effort to be engaged with Abba. No matter what you are doing, engage with him regularly and you will begin to see a difference in your life!
Have a blessed day!
– Paula –
Feature Image by Cara Shelton from Pixabay
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