Pursue righteous, faith, love and peace,
along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22
Clean your plate. It was my mother's 11th Commandment. Obedience to this order came with big rewards...and I'm not just referring to an expanded waistline.
Cleaning your plate meant favored child status.
A clean plate was a happy plate and I delighted to make my parents pleased. Today when my plate gets full, my first reaction is to clean it. A clean plate is a happy plate.
We chase joy as we whack activities from our schedule.
We dart after peace as we organize our desk or scrub our floors.
We hunt contentment as we slash responsibilities from our life.
As we clean our plates, we take the first step toward freedom from over commitment. In the elusive quest to get more out of life, cleaning our plates is not enough. An orderly life gives us a framework to honor God but it does not draw us closer to His heart.
We need to step out of our busy schedules and into the presence of God.
When we pursue Him, joy chases us.
When we pursue Him, peace darts into our hearts.
When we pursue Him, contentment hunts us.
There is a bigger reward than cleaning your plate.
If you stepped out of your busy schedule and into His presence, what do you think you'd experience?
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ReplyDeleteIf I stepped out of my busy mind/schedule and into His presence I would find the answers to everything I am questioning and I would find His guidance.
ReplyDeleteKim
www.myheartandyours.org
Wow, what a profound reply. Thank you, Kim!
DeleteThe first thing that comes to mind is peace in His presence. I know that when I am too busy to have that time alone with Him that peace definitely elludes me along with the joy that comes with that peace. What a fantastic post! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIndeed there is such peace in His presence. He is the Prince of Peace!
DeleteIf I stepped into His presence, life would be much easier. I'll be able to face daily challenges with a more positive outlook.
ReplyDeleteYes, I should clean out my plate. There's way too much in there. I have to get rid of the things which I don't need...which only bring me down and further away from Him.
Wow, you're so right. In His presence is the best of everything.
DeleteAmen! This is right what I needed to hear today, God is right on time, I praise him for that. I am constantly running esp now thats its summer and the kids have so many activities, i make my list in the morning, and I get so upset if only half are crossed off, and then I feel so bad if I sit down for a little. God is letting me know today that he is first in everything that I do, thanks for letting the Lord use you today Shannon.
ReplyDeleteTime with Him is so precious and I know your kids will be better for you taking it. :)
DeleteI do agree, we all tend to put too much on our plates these days and if we just sat back and "cleaned our plates off" we would have time to enjoy the small things and our families much more.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, Katy!
DeleteShannon... I love how you put this, your analogy. Lately... I've been cleaning my plate every day. I am learning that by even taking fie minutes to praise Him, that my days are much more peaceful. Thank you for you beautifully written thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDaily cleaning...that is a fantastic idea!
DeleteI would find what I always do... inner peace from knowing that HE hears me, and HE has and will answer me.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteIt's important to make that time to step into His presence, and I always try to remember that when my schedule is getting too full. This is a great post and reminder.
ReplyDeleteRosey, love how you want to be full of Him not filled with a schedule!
DeleteOh there is so much truth in this message. I feel like you wrote it just for my heart. God has forced me to slow down this week despite my rather messy plate. While my mind yearns to clean up loose ends, God tugs at my heart and says "no, daughter...rest in Me."
ReplyDeleteBlessings and I hope you're having a great vacation!
~Rosann
So precious. Thanks for sharing!
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