Listen Live
Praise Charlotte App Graphics
Praise 100.9 Featured Video
CLOSE

By Tanya Wilson

360 You

Have you ever felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day? Several months ago I noticed that my calendar was filling up pretty quickly. It was a great thing because some of the initiatives and goals that I set forth for myself had finally started to pay dividends. The flip side however, was in identifying pockets of time for myself.

Mistakenly I was so eager to fill my calendar with dates and events; I didn’t consider what the impact on me would be. At one point, I started to feel like a bobble head that was repeatedly saying “yes, I can do that” and “absolutely, no problem I will be there.”

We all have goals and objectives for our lives, our jobs and our family, just to name a few. What I began to realize is that the things that I had been praying about were beginning to manifest. How dare I allow all my engagements keep me from keeping the most important engagement of them all, spending time with the Lord?

Going to church is great, but a daily commitment of time with the Lord is what is sustaining. Starting each day with quiet time with the Lord is the fuel needed to encounter the day.

I remember a plaque my aunt gave to my mother which simply said “I don’t know what the day will bring, but I know that the Lord and I can handle it!” Recently in my prayer time, I discovered a verse in Mark that I didn’t remember seeing. Mark 6:31, and he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going and they had no leisure even to eat.

Once I realized I needed to slow it down some and refocus on the things that are most important in my life, I began searching for ideas that could ensure that I remain successful in my daily commitment to spending time in reflection and prayer. Rick Warren on his site “Purpose Driven Life.com,” offered some solid ideas worth sharing. He breaks it down into four essential elements of a good quiet time:

• Start with the proper attitude

• Select a specific time

• Choose a special place

• Follow a simple plan

The point really is that the why behind what you commit to doing is more important than what you do. What is your purpose? In my case, the purpose is strengthening me in the area of established quiet time.

It seems that before we know it the days, weeks and months are flying by. Often I hear people say, “where did the time go?” Time is important and what you do with your time is more important. For me, my time before the Lord is non-negotiable. Focus in this area is critical to my continued development. My planner now includes my quiet time, one of the most important entries.

Tanya is an inspirational speaker and writer living in Charlotte. You can friend her on Facebook or email her at tw360you@aol.com. Read more columns by Tanya Wilson.

Related articles:

Local Production Of The Wiz Shows The Lord’s Work

Listen Up! God Is Trying To Tell You Something

Even If You Think God’s Not Listening, He’ll Still Bless You

Discovering The Lord’s Spirit At A Cookout

Tina Turner Shares Her Secret For Staying Young

If You’re Going To Dress Like A Video Vixen Get An Agent

Remembering Dad: A Father’s Day Tribute