Day 21 - Jesus in the Morning, Jesus in the Evening

Very shortly after I became a Christain and joined Calvary, I was invited to take part in a women's Bible study at a church member's house.  I remember Lisa talking about her prayer time.  She was a mom of 3 (2 teens and a preschooler).  Lisa said that she would get up early to read her Bible and pray.  After Samuel was born, she would get up earlier. It got to the point that not long after she got up to spend time with the Lord (regardless of the time), Samuel would get up to spend time with her.

I think as mom's we find ourselves in that same situation.  As the boys have gotten older, I found myself being able to get up a bit earlier to read and pray.  Oh, I loved this time. The house was quiet. I was fresh from just starting my day.  Now, with 3 little ones, I find myself cherishing what time I am able to sleep in my own bed with no kids.  It has come to the point where I have to find a quiet time throughout the day to spend time with God in prayer and study (Right now, Carter is hiding in the curtains and the 2 big boys are in the yard with their daddy).  We have sleepless nights. We have sleep in the recliner nights. We have kids' beds, our bed, recliner, our bed, recliner nights.  We have nights I don't have a clue as to how or when I got in bed. 

People always say, "Oh, you have little one's."  Like that is an excuse.  We use that, but I don't want to use my children as an excuse. Even though sometimes it just seems like a matter of survival to push everything, including my "God time" to try to get a little rest.

Jesus had those that were searching for him, "Everyone is looking for you," (Mark 1:37). He was needed in more than one place, needed by more than one person. Jesus was tired, overextended, and busy.  Yet, He still found the time to steal away to spend time with His Father.

I picture Him sneaking out the house quietly, tiptoeing into a wooded area.  I see Him kneeling down, being supported by a huge rock. Like Beth Moore, I wonder what Jesus prayed about.  I wonder how God spoke to Him. 

I think today's reading is an excellent example of how we I need to be like Jesus. I don't want to use the excuse that I was so worn out because the kids aren't sleeping good.  The bottom line is Jesus found the time; I need to find the time.  I have before and I can again.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the many examples Your Word gives us on how I can be like Jesus. That is my desire, Lord, to be like Your Son.  Help me to deny myself, my fleshy ways, wants, and needs to spend more time with You. Amen.