It took me over ten days back in the States to stay at home more than 36 hours. The business of American life sucked me right back in. This is enough to overwhelm someone living in the States their whole life, much less someone dealing with culture shock and jet lag. It’s been interesting to say the least, not bad, just interesting. This is partially the reason for my lack of blogging the past month!
Now, since being back nothing crazy has happened. I remembered how to drive. I’ve only responded to people in a language other than English a few times. And, I haven’t had any complete freak-outs or melt-downs. I’ve enjoyed seeing family & friends in person. I’ve also enjoyed attending church services in English.
However, in all the hullaballoo I began neglecting my daily prayer and Bible reading time (or as I more commonly refer to it my: “Jesus time”). I’m always disappointed in myself when this happens. Daily time in prayer and The Word is a habit I began forming when I was about eight years old (thanks to my parents). I’ve been told it takes 21 days to form a habit. Now, I’m not going to try to do the math but 21 days came & went plenty of times, and STILL this habit slips away on occasion. It’s really quite frustrating.
When I did get my Bible open I read Mark chapter one and verses 35-37 really stood out to me: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’” Now, I’m not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination. Most people who have shared a living space live by the rule: “you don’t talk to Allyssa in the morning until she talks to you!” Honestly, I’m a big fat grump in the mornings. Yet, when I decided I needed to bite the bullet and force myself out of bed each morning to have “Jesus time” my days were blessed. I’ve found when I start my days with Jesus I find the strength for mountains or mole hills. When I start my day with a focus on the Truth of Scripture my perspective is clearer. When I start my days with prayer I’m humble and honest of my need for my Savior. I even find that my grumpy bear morning attitude fades quickly when I seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
So, I’m back to morning “Jesus time.” I’m still a grumpy bear when I wake up, but at least the solution is only an hour or so away. I’m so thankful for my merciful Heavenly Father who freely welcomes me back even when I’ve strayed. I’m realizing more and more that it’s Satan’s goal to bust that habit I started so young. Thankfully I have a mighty God fighting for me & I know who reigns victorious in the end!
