TIME OUT!

I'm not even going to share stories about how important time out is. There's a really good one in my head that would help drive the point home, but today I'm just going to holler, "TIME OOOOUUUTTT!"

Maybe you're feelin' it too.

Lately God has been following me around waiting for the time I keep telling Him I need. As He sits patiently with me in the morning while I read my devotional, He majestically paints the sky with brilliance and brings my world to life. And waits.

Distraction wins with mosquitoes, dogs, random thoughts, and I catch myself moving before I've finished my conversation with Him.

In the middle of my chores I'll remember I had left a prayer unfinished and when I start to pick up where I left off, another prayer will take the other ones place! Why can't I stop and just take a minute for God?

I need a time out.

Sooner or later it'll be too late. Things will compile to where I'm so overwhelmed I'll be forced to take a time out. Then, God will stand over me, still waiting.

I envision Him with His hands on His hips, glowing white robe blinding me as I lay there looking up at Him. I start apologizing...

"God I'm sorry for forgetting my armor. I never meant to let Satan in. Please forgive me for not rebuking him when the first sign of his attack became obvious. Oh, Father, please help me now. I am deeply remorseful for the way I pushed you aside. You kept waiting, and I kept ignoring you-putting you off. How could I do that to you? You are always there for me and I took advantage of that. I am so sorry."

He smiles down at me and nods His head. Then He wipes away my tears, pushes my hair back from my face and gathers me to Him. As He holds me close, I let my heart cleanse. My strength is renewed and He helps me to my feet. Together we don my armor and fight Satan arm in arm. One thing at a time.

St. Matthew 11: 28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." *He is easily approachable and willing to take your burdens from you.

Ephesians 6: 10-18..."be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ...(12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." *take your armor seriously because Satan takes his army seriously and they're on attack. Don't be caught with your shield down!