|
News for the Pews |
Home
22nd June 2024
SaturdayReflection
************************
'Lisa'
Holy Hen House, offers
'Dare to Be Bored with God'
************************
When was the last time you were honestly bored?
You didn't have anything to do, and didn't have anything to fill it with?
I feel like by saying this I'm becoming an old person at the early age of 27, but kids these days don't know how to be bored.
Nothing to do? Here's a screen. Entertain yourself.
But adults have adopted it too.
Waiting in line? You don't have to stare at a stranger's head or force small talk;
you can whip out your phone and look too busy for human interaction.
Stuck in traffic? Turn on some music or a podcast.
Why would anyone sit in complete silence?
In our society, we are losing the ability to sit in the boring moments.
Even if we're physically still, we are rarely in silence.
What effect does this have on our faith lives?
How can we expect to hear God's still small voice over the noise?
How can we expect to notice him when we're constantly looking to be entertained more than left in awe at his creation around us?
I went camping, by myself.
I'd never gone alone before, but felt the need for this special recharge in a different environment than in my quiet apartment.
After the campfire had gone out, I lay on the ground gazing at the stars, hearing all the night sounds around me.
Frogs, crickets, the breeze through the trees.
I felt my relaxed breathing.
My only prayer was "thank you God."
At 8:00 in the morning, I woke up cozy in my tent, and my first thought was how peaceful I felt.
The campground was quiet.
Sleepy kids hadn't found their way to the playground yet, and any family conversations over breakfast were hushed.
I made coffee in my coffee maker (the one luxury item I need camping), and read a few psalms from my Bible.
I sat at that picnic table and just talked to God.
I didn't have music, or the news, or Netflix.
I went for a hike through the woods and onto the empty beach, and the talking to God continued.
When there were so few distractions, praying just seemed normal.
There was no pressured "prayer time" to fit into my one day of open schedule, it just happened.
I didn't feel the need to make my prayers long, deep, or orderly.
I just spewed what was on my mind.
So much thankfulness.
Yet so much hurting around me that I honestly didn't know what to do with.
Admitting my failures and confusion in what God wanted me to do next.
I didn't weep, gain some huge insight, or feel God's presence in some obvious way, but I know he heard me and the time was not wasted.
I've seen "Be Still" written on so many home décor signs, on jewellery, and as phone screen savers.
This is a great reminder, but my phrase lately has been "be quiet."
I distract myself far too often with Godly things that end up taking the place of actually being with God.
Worship music, a Christian podcast, and a Christian living book cannot replace getting to know God personally through his Word and prayer.
Some days I have to put aside the good "fun" things so I can focus on the best thing.
Make it a habit to talk to God throughout the day about everything.
When you hear of people praying for long periods of time, stop feeling guilty that your prayers aren't "as good."
The relationship with God is the goal, not the minutes spent at one time.
But perhaps getting in that rhythm of noticing God is with you at all times is something you want to improve.
Let's be intentional about what we choose to let in our lives.
Sit out in nature. Go in your room and close the door.
You don't need to start with a game plan.
Just talk to your Father about anything and everything.
He's not bored with you.
><(((°>
This is an edited version.
The full article is avaiable on request
'Did you know'
that HHH has its roots from an in-home Bible study?
It does!
Each week we gathered around God's Word, mentored, prayed, and formed a sisterhood in Jesus that is priceless.
Our time together was so remarkable that we decided to create this space online for women of faith.
Now we are a non-profit ministry!
We are compelled to share the reason for the hope that we have by reaching the hearts of women online, in our faith-inspired magazine, and through encouraging events.
Contact the Rector
The Revd.
Nic.Edwards
The Rectory,
Church Lane,
BUGBROOKE,
Northampton,
NN7 3PB
Land Line: 01604 - 815496
(Can be accessed from the mobile device)
Mobile: .....
E-mail:
thebeneficeofbhkandr at gmail dot com
Contact the Benefice Office
Sunday School Rooms, Church Lane,
BUGBROOKE, Northampton, NN7 3PB
Land Line: 01604 830373
E-mail:
thebeneficeofbhkandr at gmail dot com
Mon., Tues., Wed,, Thur., Fri.
9:00am to 11:30am
For Baptism bookings (Christenings)
to arrange an appointment please contact
the Benefice Office.
For Wedding bookings:
please contact the Benefice Office to arrange
an appointment.
Who Made This?
Seeing as you asked, if you can give helpful
advice or report factual corrections and
'deliberate mistakes',email:-
regparker3 at gmail dot com
Email addresses shown using words in an
attempt to avoid 'spam',
Type the email address replacing 'at' with '@',
and 'dot' with '.'
|