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By: Katie Messer

Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.” Zechariah 1:3

This morning as we cleaned up the house, my daughter Ruthie reminded me that I promised her a special “tea time.” I asked her if she wanted to have one, just she and I, this morning. At these words, my precious daughter’s eyes lit up in sheer delight as she clapped her hands together and began looking for things to do to help prepare for the special event. I smiled as I too looked forward to our mommy-daughter tea in our living room (with her dolly, too, of course). I grabbed a special tablecloth, embroidered by my late mother-in- law, crackers, butter, jam and cookies. Ruthie was more than happy to help organize each item on our toddler-sized table. Oh, how proud my Ruthie was to be hosting this event! As a final touch, we needed the tea (milk in our case) and Ruthie quickly grabbed and folded napkins for our special occasion and placed one delicately atop her lap. All was ready!

Our son Daniel thought all of the elements of the special tea looked pretty nice and began to walk near the table to join. But, after rearranging the order of the delicious treats displayed, Ruthie blocked Daniel from getting near it a second time. Daniel screamed in protest, but Ruthie was determined that nothing was going to disrupt our mommy-daughter tea. This is highly important and very special.

My husband interceded and Daniel then enjoyed checking out some tools and organizing the storage shed with his Dad, while Ruthie and I sat down for our formal tea. As we thanked the Lord for this special time, I asked her various questions. She told me stories with such animation and sheer delight. A joy sparkled within her eyes as she saw me listening to her with undivided attention. And it was then that it hit me—this is like our time with the Lord!

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” James 4:8

Just as my daughter was so excited to spend time alone with her mama, we too, as believers in Jesus Christ should crave and look forward to, with much anticipation, the times that we can be alone with the Lord. Each day we should begin afresh before the Lord to thank Him for all He has done and submit the day and each person dear to us to the Lord in prayer.

“Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; there is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, they would be too numerous to count.” Psalm 40:5

As we take time to be alone with the Lord, may we begin our time in sincere gratitude for the many examples of God’s faithfulness, both recorded in the Holy Bible as well as our own personal stories. God is unchanging (Hebrews 13:8)! It is in these times alone with the Lord, that we can search the Bible for refreshment, direction, correction and encouragement (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We need to see the Holy Bible for what it is—the ultimate App for life! Never begin a day or leave home without it!

The final element of this morning’s mommy-daughter tea that really struck me was the fact that in the midst of it all, Ruthie forgot to bring her prized possession to dine with us; her dolly. She was so excited for us to have some special time—just she and I—that all other things became to fade in her own mind. May this also be true of each Christian as we approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) and fix our eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith.

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

What a sincere joy it is to learn such precious lessons of God’s faithfulness and devoted love for each beating heart as I play with our children. The Lord has lessons for each of us to glean from our days—that point back to the teachings of Scripture. I encourage each one reading to journal or write down the events that stick out to you in the day. Over time, you will be amazed to look back at the beautiful story that God writes within each of our lives—one day and one page at a time.

 

Photo Cred: Carli Jeen

about the authorWhat is love? Is it s’mores on the beach at sunset? Is it a mountain vista overlooking acres of evergreens after a hike? Is it scuba diving through a shipwreck? Kayaking as the summer rays kiss your face? Climbing sand dunes? Skydiving? Author and blogger, Katie Messer, would answer that any interaction with God’s creation points to the infinite love of God. Yet, the place in which she sees God’s love most fully manifested is in the ultimate act of unabashed love by her Lord, Jesus Christ. She thanks God for her God fearing husband and their two children who share in these international adventures. “Mirrors to Window: Change your view to see God’s true romance” is a book of Katie’s own honest testimony of God’s radical rescue and redemption within her own life. “Blooming Beauty” is Katie’s official blog site. Check it out for encouragement in how to see and thank God through all circumstances of life. Why? Because you are worth it to an infinitely loving God.

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