After driving around and passing roadhouse bars, Mexican restaurants and an assortment of places that all serve chicken fingers, we bravely exited off onto a vaguely familiar highway and pulled into the lot of a Japanese restaurant. We didn't even make into the door before deciding that wasn't quite right. Don't ask.
Anyway, we headed off further on this same road and saw an open Indian restaurant empty of patrons. Why would a restaurant be empty on Valentine's weekend? Is it bad, new and unknown, or are most folks just going with what they know at the more traditional well known places? We pulled up, hemmed and hawed, then drove off. Only to make a U-turn and come right back. Since our teacher's sleeping hours were creeping closer and closer, we thought, "What the heck?" and made our dining choice of the night.
Although the food was absolutely delicious, the decor was quite simple and didn't match what I had experienced from previously visited Indian restaurants. That really didn't matter because more importantly, our wait time was zilch, we had the place just about to ourselves, and the conversation was void of, "Excuse me Mommy. Hey, Mrs. Young! Coach, can you...? Coach we need you to... or Daddy, can I....?"
Now, let me explain something to you about my day before this date. I had been washing, blow drying and braiding the hair of my three girls for about eight hours straight. My butt hurt, my arms were tired and the fingerprints on my index and thumbs were nearly burnt off (some of ya'll know why :-) ). So when my husband told me we were going out, I could've said, "Dude. Really? I just want to sleep!" Or even when he said, "Where do you want to go?" I could've exclaimed, "You don't have a reservation on the busiest night of the year?" But the truth of the matter was, I didn't care about what I had been doing all day. I wanted to spend time with my husband more than I wanted to relax and pamper myself. Who cared about a reservation if neither of us would be happy in a place overflowing with people? What mattered was he knew what I needed and I knew what he needed; time alone together. We ended up with a whole section of the restaurant to ourselves and a very attentive waitress! Who could ask for more?
So I ask you, dear educator, if after and even during a very busy and rewarding or busy and trying week, the Lover of your soul
desires to spend intimate time with you, will you make time for Him? He's quite aware of every thing that has zapped your energy, tried your nerves or filled your heart with glee. Yet, He still wants your attention.
You see, Jesus is good for the unexpected whispers of, "Come away with me. No special place. We'll search for it together and we'll enjoy it when we get there."
This invitation is sometimes extended as you're singing a song of worship, reading His words in your bible, witnessing the magnificence of nature or hearing testimonies of His goodness to others. It will gently lead you into a time of prayer for you to:
*Praise Him Psalm 145
*Thank Him Psalm 34:1-9
*Petition Him John 14: 13-14
*Confess our sins to Him 1 John 1:9
*Talk to Him about others/intercede for: family and friends, those in authority over you, the world
and more importantly...
You know, it's hard to drag yourself away from a good date. Well, it'll be that same way when you spend time with your Savior.
Remember, no reservations are necessary and no scheduled time is
required. Just say, "Yes, I'll go with You" when He calls. Just so you know, that door swings both ways!
Since He never sleeps nor slumbers, and has made provisions so that you could come boldly before the Throne of Grace, call to Him at any time. He will answer you. He loves you. He really, really loves you!The Lord is with you and you are loved,
Toni
Please enjoy this week's song: How Deeply I Need You by Shekinah Glory Ministry and have a great work week!
