Touching God

 

One day when my oldest son was 3 years old I walked into the dining room to find him standing in the middle of the table.  He was reaching up high, stretched to his full capability.  When I asked him what he was doing he responded, "I'm trying to touch God!"

How precious a child's faith is.  The lessons we can learn from them abound if we only take the time to listen and apply their simple words and faith to our lives.

...Jesus said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.  Mark 10:14-16

 

As moms we feel pulled in many directions and often what gets left behind is our relationship with the Lord.  As a mom of four, I know that time is a precious commodity! Therefore, in my walk with the Lord I have found that simplicity works best.  I keep in mind my son standing on the table with the greatest intent on reaching God. That's what the Lord wants for you and me.  He wants us to come to him with a trusting, believing, loving heart just as a child would. 

Over the years I have struggled to find just a smidgen of quiet time to spend with the Lord. I haven't perfected it yet, but here are a few ways that I try to build my relationship with God throughout my days...

~Before nap time, I pull my little one into my arms and sing some of her favorite Sunday School songs. As I continue I mix in a few of my favorite hymns and give my heart, soul and mind to God in praise.  Not only will does this relax my daughter and prepare her for resting, but I benefit from the feeling of peace and God's presence.

~Before my feet hit the floor each morning I take a moment to call upon the Lord to lead me through my day.  If my toddler isn't jumping up and down on my abdomen demanding her breakfast, I take a bit longer and pray for my husband and each of my children.

~I make time in my day for Bible study.  This is an area that I struggled with for years.  I had every intention of spending time in the word each morning, but inevitably, I would have children in bed with me or I would fall asleep after reading a verse or two.  After many years of attempting to do it this way, I have found that the best time for me is after all the children are in bed. I read a short devotional and a short section from the Bible and then ponder those little bits.

~I write down verses that speak to me or have meaning for my life then I memorize them.  I quote them often throughout my day.

~My prayer life always seems to be severely lacking and something I am continually trying to strengthen. When I try to pray at the end of the day, yes, you guessed it, I fall into a deep sleep! So, I send up prayers while I'm doing laundry, the dishes or taking a shower. If I hear of someone in need I stop what I am doing, gather my children who are near me and I pray.  I send up words of thanksgiving sometimes quietly and other times out loud to help my children remember the importance of praise.

 

These activities aren't anything dramatic or time consuming, but when used throughout the day they help to keep me focused on the One who desires a deep relationship with me. My days become centered on Him.  Not only do I benefit from His strength, compassion and guidance, but so do my children.