Sunday, April 22, 2007

Treadmill Quiet Times

Saturday evening I retired to bed after saying an “I feel sorry” prayer for my husband as he would be preaching in three Sunday morning services with the first starting at 6:00 A.M. That is some serious stuff…church at 6:00 a.m.! I hope they have Starbucks in Madagascar (where Rich is preaching).

I awoke Sunday morning around 4:00 a.m. to hear my son stirring and neither of us made it back to sleep. You’d think one would have a great quiet time being up that early but it just wasn’t the case for me. When it finally came time to arise and get ready for church my conversation with God began…. “Lord, my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak!’” I shuttered at the thought of getting myself and my 3 kiddos ready and trying to make it to church on time (I think you’ve picked up Rich is not around).

At that moment my little angel (Skyler) said, “Mommy, you had a rough night why don’t you go back to bed and I’ll watch the kids”. That sounded better than the coffee percolating and so I took my ‘mini-mom’ up on her offer. Of course, I almost suffocated myself with the 2 pillows over my head trying to drown out all the noise coming from my precious little ones. How can they get up at 4 a.m., have no legal stimulants in their bodies and have so much energy? Oh, to figure that one out, put it in pill form and patent it…I’d make millions (and not be so tired all the time).

About an hour later I dragged myself out of bed and a foul mood ensued. My thoughts were askew, my attitude terrible…and the list goes on! Something needed to change and quick or it was going to be a long, very bad, no good, horrible day. Yes, a quiet time would be very beneficial but it is considered abuse these days to lock kids in the closet and without that it just wasn’t going to happen. Alternatively, I could kick on some worship music as I sometimes do when these moods come over me and the kids and I dance and sing until mommy is happier but today it was personal. I needed to get alone with God….but where.

So we packed in the car and went to the place I could be alone and do business with God…..the gym. Technically there were other people around so I was not alone but with the kids in the playroom, me on the treadmill and earphones in, I was as close to alone as need be.

Not even 5 minutes in stride and not 1 song through and I was fighting back the tears. 4.5Ks later I was close to falling on my knees in worship (and exhaustion). Wouldn’t that be a sight- smelly, sweaty, emotional girl that can’t sing on her knees mid-workout?

So no I didn’t observe the Sabbath with the usual church-going. I didn’t even crack my bible open during my quiet time. Today I met the Lord at the Throne in work out clothes, sweaty, ugly and desperate to hear from Him. And thankfully the Lord was looking “to and forth throughout the whole earth (even Africa) to show Himself strong on behalf of His child!”

Yes, I believe whole-heartily in quiet times with prayer and bible reading. I also believe in fellowshipping with other believers and I am teaching my children to do both of these. Yet I also believe the Lord sees the heart (not the acts) and warmly welcomes us just as we are!

I pray your week is full of treadmill quiet times!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

...and sometimes he comes to us through the blog of a precious friend at just the right time when we need the reminder most the He is there and He is waiting for us to just call out to Him.

Thanks Michelle, you have NO idea how badly I needed to read this first thing this morning.

That is what I love about the Lord. It's not a building, a set of rules, or a ritual...it's Him meeting us right when we need Him most.

michelle said...

Thanks Ginger, I happy it ministered to you as well. Your precious picture and scripture helped me this morning! I read it prior to my treadmill exp. and it was then I cried out to see the "light through the trees" so thank you my blogger friend!

Jane said...

Thank you Michelle....I love that you "broke the rules" and worshiped where you were!

I too developed a bad attitude this morning. Thankfully I am able to go to one of our evening services now that I am "playing well with others!"

It is a blessing open our hearts to hear God's word other than just a 10:30 Sunday morning service.... we ALL need to be worshiping at all times.

Unknown said...

Hi Michelle. I am from Florida and I just stopped by via Ginger's blog (saw your comment). I loved your posts and enjoyed especially the "If you give a mom a muffin." Oh, how fun!

I'll come back and see you again. Have a great week.

Susan said...

Very timely and touching post.

Lori said...

I love this post. I agree with you too. This post is so true.

Lisa H said...

Wow, I thought I was the only one who has "treadmill quiet times!). There are days when all I want is a few minutes alone with God and I can't seem to get it, but when we head to the gym, I always find Him waiting there for me. Glad to hear I'm not the only one!

Hope your husband is coming home soon. :)

Rachel said...

Brilliant stuff Michelle. Good on you for being able to meet the Lord where you were most able to! My Sunday was a bit of a struggle for different reasons (I just posted on my page)... nevertheless He came through with the grace and goodness He always does. Whew.

Teresa said...

Good stuff Michelle!

Just Mom said...

"Yet I also believe the Lord sees the heart (not the acts) and warmly welcomes us just as we are!"

Yes! Yes! Absolutely, yes! Very inspirational words.

Anonymous said...

Hey i dont know if you remember me but I asked you for advice once I think before having my Baby in November :) I really enjoy reading your blog, you are an inspiring woman :) I really liked this post. As a new mom I know that you somtimes have days like that, where you just need to seize the moments you have with the Lord. Thank you so much that was very encouraging!!

Anonymous said...

Michelle, you touch the heart and certainly mine. God has given you a precious gift by putting your feelings into words that we all can relate to. I have a suspicion that your first book will be called, "Touching The Heart." I can't wait to readit!

weavermom said...

Beautiful! And so true.

Sohailah said...

everyday, all day long is my quiet time - can't imagine the day without constant communication. i so desperately need Him in every way - aren't we the blessed ones?