Refresh
“Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25b NIV)
A couple of weeks ago, I attended the North American Christian Convention in Orlando, Florida. The overall theme for the week was “Refreshed...stretched, inspired, healed.” Our few days in Orlando provided all of those elements for the thousands who attended. From the workshop and main session speakers, to the college alumni receptions, the sharing of a meal at a luncheon or banquet, perusing the many exhibits that highlighted missions and para-church organizations, to just walking the halls of the Marriott World Center (the entire NACC was under one roof for the first time), made me think more about our need for setting aside such time.
We get so caught up in the “busy-ness” of church llfe and “regular” life that we don’t take the time to let it soak in and allow God to speak to us through His people and His Word. In an age where technology makes communication so readily available, we’re bombarded with daily devotion e-mails, podcasts, blogs, tweets, Facebook posts, instant messaging, etc. When do we really open our minds to read, open our ears to hear, open our eyes to see the things God places right in front of us as opportunities to take in, grow, motivate, and reflect.
The challenge many of us face, inlcuding myself, is how can we say we desire a closer relationship with God and yet, do nothing about it. I’m purposefully reviewing my calendar from now to the end of 2012 to make sure I’ve included some quality time with God - daily, weekly, monthly and annually. I want to “delight myself in the Lord” and be refreshed!
