January 12, 2011

Living in this Day

100 Days stretch out long before me. This is my second attempt. The first abandoned before I could count three.

Bad habits are so hard to break. Good habits equally as difficult to make.

I pray, give myself some grace, and start again. This time pondering what I can give before making the list.

~Bible reading at a slower, more comfortable pace. The rhythm of reading and re-reading a passage for days on end, reveling in the words and their deeper meaning. Finding new treasures each day. Smiling to myself at the realization that the words are becoming familiar friends, staying with me long after I've left the quiet darkness of the morning behind.

~Taking care of myself so that I am not a tired, out-of-sorts wife and mama. Making the effort to have as much energy as possible to meet their needs.

~Daring to love as Christ does, in this season now more than ever.

Can I do this? Even just three things, for 100 days, seems unlikely, if not impossible. And so I don't look there. I don't even look at the next page.  I look only at today and think about how delighted I will be to place check marks in three boxes as the day draws to an end.  Then I will rest long and peacefully before starting again tomorrow.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. ~Matthew 6:34 (ESV)

Join others at Ann's to find encouragement in the practice of making a habit.

7 comments:

Lisa notes... said...

I was thinking about Matthew 6:34 just yesterday. Sufficient for the day. Just today we need to keep our habits... Thanks, Melissa.

Alida Sharp said...

I keep reminding myself to stay in today and to stay in this moment. Taking lots of deep breaths and refocusing on Him.

Thanks for this post.
Joy & Blessings,
Alida

Renee Ann said...

Love that Scripture. I'm visiting from A Holy Experience linky list. Blessings!

Alana said...

I recently got to a point where I have been faithful with my quiet time. First time I have been consistent ever! Well, there was a challenge at church to read the new testament in 30 days. I have been reading maybe 2-6 chapters a day. This requires about 12. Can you say stretch? I am working on it and so far so good, but one of my favorite things about the program is that there are built in "grace" days for catching up, busy days, sick days, etc. I hope you are building in some grace days. :-)

Lisa Spence said...

What a challenge! Thank you for offering up both inspiration and encouragement. May the Lord show Himself strong and sufficient as He grants you sustenance for THIS DAY!

Asia said...

I love the quote. I think it is so true. Learning everyday to trust God and help me to walk His way.

Nikole Hahn said...

"The rhythm of reading and re-reading a passage for days on end, reveling in the words and their deeper meaning."

I'm finding that, too. The deeper my walk becomes the more I hunger for His knowledge.

As far as habit...take it one day at a time. Make it a daily goal and view the next morning as a second chance. :o) You can do it.