Be careful then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil…

Therefore, do not be foolish…Instead be filled with the Spirit…

Ephesians 5:15, 17a, 18b

Normally I keep my Bible right by my bed. I know it does not have magical power, but I like having it near. Having it right there certainly does make it easier to grab and jump right in to reading the wisdom filling it.

One particular morning I realized I had left my Bible in the kitchen so I headed there to retrieve it. Then I remembered I needed to fill my crockpot with beans so they would be cooked by supper time. I stopped to do that. I also took time to fill my washer with clothing so they would get clean and ready to wear.

Upon returning to the bedroom, I realized I had “filled” my crockpot and “filled” my washing machine, but I had not “filled” my hand with my Bible. The other little tasks I needed to do choked out my intention of spending time with God and being “filled” with his presence. None of the other things I did were unnecessary or bad, but they distracted me from my goal at the time. I could have chosen to accomplish them afterwards.

So often the tasks of the day seem more important than having some quiet time with God. They crowd my mind and do not want to let go. In the scheme of the Christian life though, what could be more important than making time to visit with God and listen to his voice?

I have to admit, I did chuckle at myself a little for getting so distracted and forgetting what I went to the kitchen for in the first place. Afterwards, though, I quickly opened God’s Word and got back to what would hold the most importance for a Spirit-filled day.

Oh Lord, help me not to get so distracted by the chores of my day that I forget to spend time with you.

Susan P.