Good morning, Lord. Thank You for this day. Thank You for the lovely rain that’s soaking my newly transplanted peonies and hostas, and also my vegetables in the garden. Thank You for… (Oh, just a second, Lord, it sounds like Sonny boy is awake. OK, I’m back) -as I was saying, thanks for this hot cup of coffee, and this comfy chair. Thanks for giving me my precious little family. Lord, I need your presence today, as I do every day; walk with me and guide me as I relate to my husband, and nurture and train and love my little ones.

Speaking of nurturing little ones, I seem to hear a small voice calling “Mama! Eat sumpin’!” Sigh… Lord, I was going to ask for Your Spirit’s enlightenment as I read Your Word before starting my day, but it looks as though my day is starting on its own, and I need to hop on for the ride. I’ll get back to You soon, Lord. I promise!

Sound familiar? or maybe I’m the only one? It seems like the older I get, the more I need the wealth of  wisdom that’s to be found on the precious pages of God’s Word, but it becomes harder and harder to squeeze it in my day. I deeply cherish my wonderful Sunday School class, our discussions always bless me, and our monthly prayer and sharing time is so refreshing and beautiful. We share our burdens, celebrate our victories, and encourage one another in what feels to me like the true New Testament way.

The Bible study we attend every Wednesday night is another highlight of my week, because I can be blessed by the testimonies of others, and join in a discussion about the deep mysterious things of God, or maybe just refresh in my heart the simple well-known truths found in Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s not my communion with others that fails to flourish, it’s my own personal devotional time.  It’s a constant struggle. If that were the only means of spiritual nourishment I had, I’ll just admit I would be in a state of morbid malnourishment.

It’s not that I don’t enjoy reading my Bible. Especially my dear old blue-and-grey imitation-leather Bible that my parents gave me as a gift, probably 10 years ago. Its cover is peeling, and its pages are highlighted with ink and an occasional drop of coffee. It’s well broken-in now, the pages turn easily instead of sticking together as new pages like to do. That Bible has been through a lot with me. It travelled with me to Minnesota, for six weeks of Bible School. It was close to me as a young person, trying to figure out God’s will for my life, and it has even spent three nights in jail, though not with me. (That is a story that most of you know; but for those who don’t know, its a long story that I do want to share here sometime. However, it being such a long story, it’s taking me awhile to get it condensed to a length that wouldn’t wear out your eyes and your patience. Maybe I will do a 2-part series.) (Short version in this post.)  

As I said, I do love to read my Bible. The problem is, with all the distractions of mothering, I feel I need an easy read, so I repeatedly end up in Psalms. And though Psalms is, indeed an easy read, and so beautiful and poetic, I don’t think God wants me to stay there. I believe He wants me to read the writings of Paul, in all their depth, and the gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  He wants me to immerse myself in the confusing mysteries of John’s Revelation. He wants me to reflect on Wisdom, as she is described in Proverbs, for: “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” (Proverbs 3:17)

Those of you who have large families may giggle at this, but it seems to me that the second child, though precious and so dearly loved, has taken a toll on my time with God. I talk to Him in the morning while I do my chores, because that seems to be the closest thing to alone time I can manage. I feel like God wants me to carve out some  quiet time to commune with Him, and 6,000 squawking turkeys can hardly fit in the category of quietness; but what if that’s the best I can do for now?

I pick up my Bible when I’m rocking my baby, but the sound of pages turning seems to distract him from his eating, and his little blue eyes staring up at me, take my attention off of my reading, and what was intended to be a multi-functional 30 minutes ends up just being a snuggle session with baby dear. Or, he does cooperate, and I read two chapters, but three verses in, my eyes glaze over, and when I’m done reading, I can’t remember what I read.

I have an audio Bible app on my phone, and I sometimes listen to it while I wash dishes, etc. But its so easy to tune it out, along with all the other noise, and I often realize I barely heard a word. I surely hope I’m not the only one, but I also hope this is not universal, because I’m really hoping someone reading this will comment, handing me the key that will unlock the wealth of treasure that I know is buried in the pages of God’s word.

I’m interested in the input of other Mamas; whether you’re in my stage of life, or if you’re older but have been here, what are your pointers for getting your daily Bread, yet still reaching around to the demands of motherhood? Also, I’d love for you to comment the reference of your favorite verse/s, of Scripture, for me to look up.

’til next time, God bless!