Sunday, February 17, 2008

Time Well Spent


As many of you know, I spent this past week touring Washington, DC with my son and his 8th grade school group. I boarded a bus loaded with 13 and 14 year olds and rode for nine hours in a somewhat cramped seat. But the long drive with limited leg room was well worth it. It was a spectacular visit!(Although a bit frigid for this child of the sunny south.)

I felt like we took a quick tour through the history of America. Our visit began at the FDR memorial. Next, we visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and viewed the many changes in flight that have taken place throughout history. We toured the United States Capitol and spoke with our Congressman who was busy making policy and law. We marched up the steps of the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. We even treked along the same ground that George Washington once plod, Mt. Vernon. The docents there shared that in just one year, George Washington had over 612 visitors to spend at least one night on this plantation. Can you imagine the conversations that must have taken place as this young country began! But you know the most amazing aspect of this trip...it was that everytime I looked over I beheld this slender, bright eyed, red-headed young man alongside of me!

I loved being so near to him as he learned, as he explored, and as he interacted with his many friends and teachers. I was especially delighted when he occasionally ran up and swung his gangly 14 year old arm around my shoulder and and quietly told me "I'm glad you came, Mom!" Just a few simple acts allowed me to hear those precious words. Setting aside time from work. Packing a bag. Pulling out my snow boots. Three little things to prepare me for the great pleasure of walking alongside my boy. To know him better. That friends, is joy! Time well spent!

I love the fact that we have a Father who invites us to walk alongside Him. And all it takes are just a few simple acts. Setting aside a time. Finding a quiet place. Pulling out our Bible and partaking in the conversation He begins in His word. Three little things to allow us to know better this Creator of the Universe. This Savior of the world. To know Him more. My friends, that is joy! That is time well spent!

Deuteronomy 4:7 " What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?"
Matthew 4:18-20 "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him."

Lord, thank you for inviting us to walk alongside you! For inviting us to know You more. Your word is a "lamp unto my feet" and I praise you for that light. I thank you that I live here in America where I am free to read your Word. Let me never forget that freedom. Lord, continue to give me and others the desire to spend time with YOU. For Lord, every minute with You is time well spent! I praise YOU!

Praise HIM!

8 comments:

duopastorale said...

A joy indeed. What a great comparison. Thank you.

God's girl said...

What sweet memories. That is such a blessing. And even more amazing that God invites us along to journey with Him! Beautiful.
Much love,
Angela

LAUREN at Faith Fuel said...

I'm just now contemplating being a chaperone on my daughter's school trip to Boston. Oh, the chats we have while we journeying onward with God.

Greg C said...

Welcome back. I am so glad you had such a wonderful time and got to spend time with your son.

Angie said...

Praising Him with you! Yes, it's always time well spent--with Him, with loved ones. You know, the more time I spend with God, the more I trust Him. Surely that same thing translates to our kids don't you think?

Sounds like you both had a great time. Loved the visual of your son throwing his arm around you. That made me smile and I'm sure you did too!

Welcome back home. YSIC, Angie

Barbara said...

Glad you are back. I did not envy you your bus trip at all but your post did bring backmemories of my time in Washington.

Susan Skitt said...

Time well spent indeed. I'm so glad for you that you were able to go on that trip with your dear son. I was able to go with Jared on his 8th grade trip two years ago to Cape Cod. It is a memory we will have forever, the campfire on the beach at night, the early morning walk we took to see the sunrise on the ocean.

And our time spent with God is such a treasure too. What we miss when we don't spend time with Him,I'm only starting to realize how much I've missed through the years. I can only go forward from here by God's grace and drink in the beauty of my time spent with Him and then share it :)

Much love,
Susan

Kim S in SC said...

Mike: He who leads us on this journey is a joy!
Angela: It is amazing, isn't it! Praise HIM!
Lauren:I hope you will get to go with your daughter!
Greg: Thank you, and yes, I'm glad too!'
Angie: My blogging has been quite sporadic due to other comittments lately. I'll be back more regularly soon.
Barbara:Washington was a wonderful city, although quite cold!
Susan:I love your comment about "drink in the beauty of time spent with Him". Amen!

"Weighting" on the Lord

Let this be a place of encouragement for you in your own walk!