uest 
evotionals
Taking a Lifestyle Break
(This is a devotional by Rosemary Hagedorn. Born in Germany, Rosemary immigrated to Canada with her brother and parents in 1957; when she was ten years old. She loves creating picture books for her four grandchildren and writing stories from her life experiences. "Writing is my passion," she says, "As long as God inspires me, I shall write." To date she has written and published almost 100 devotionals, created numerous children's stories for her grandchildren, and is also working on a couple of chapter books for her grandchildren.)"As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God." (Psalm 42:1-2a, 1 1b; NASB)
I am sitting outside in my favorite chair on the front porch, surrounded by evergreen, maple, cedar, poplar and a few birch trees. The country air is filled with the sound of chirping birds and the odd blue jay's call. I feel their music swelling towards the highest heaven in praise of our Creator. Once in a while a seagull is seen, gently gliding above the treetops, dancing in the serenity of a dark blue sky. The warm air and sunshine enhance a peaceful, quiet afternoon. In this quietness, away from busy schedules, appointments and meetings, I can more easily hear God speak. Indeed, God speaks in many ways--through a friend a letter, a kind deed or a song played on the radio to remind us to slow down.
Usually, I neglect to take time to be alone with my Lord. There is always something else to do. Continuously rushing around, I've had intentions of taking time for meditation, but that time seemed never to come. I had to make a choice—a decision—that today would be the day to sit and pray and write.
As the sun begins to set, the birds continue their praises. Far away, I hear the hum of a motorboat racing through the water, and am reminded again of the hurried lifestyle that most of us have. I pray that I will continue to take the time to be alone with my God, to talk and then to listen.
"Dear Father, forgive me when I neglect to take time for you. Perhaps you allow busy times in our lives to remind us to slow down and listen. Amen."
© Rosemary Hagedorn, Summer 2010
