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Time With God
By: Tom Norvell
Vol. 13 No. 32 | August 9, 2010
Father, I miss You. I miss the times I spent with You.
It was not so long ago that You and I were alone at the ocean. We walked. We talked. We sometimes just sat and I listened to power of your voice as the waves pounded the shore with their thunderous roar. There were times when I felt the breeze of Your presence as it cooled my skin and refreshed my spirit. I heard Your gentle words in the sound of the birds flying overhead, the children playing in the surf, and conversations with my family. I miss those days.
It wasn’t so long ago when the only thing on my schedule was to be with You and with my family. We talked. We ate together. We laughed. We shared our hearts with You, and You shared Your heart with us. It was such a good time. No rushing. No plans. No agenda. Just time with You.
It wasn’t so long ago that we were together on the mountain. At a friend’s house. The mornings were quiet. The evenings were calm. The view was spectacular. The only thing we had to do was enjoy the time with each other and with You. It was such a special time. You were easy to see. You were easy to touch. It was easy to feel Your touch.
It wasn’t so long ago that we were together with the brothers and sisters as we praised You in song and as we tried our best to express to You how much we loved you and how blessed we feel to be loved by You. We felt You with us in every song, in every reading, in every prayer, as we broke the bread and drank the wine, and as we listened to Your Word.
It wasn’t so long ago when we walked together along the shady path near the river. The air was cool. The smells of spring were fragrant and refreshing. You were easy to spot in the faces I met, the smiles that were exchanged, and the flowers blooming along the path.
It wasn’t so long ago that we were together and everything was wonderful. Now...
Now, life is crazy. I’m running here and there at breakneck speed. When I finish one task I start another. There is no time to recover. No time for reflection. I barely complete one project before it’s time to start another one or to get back to work on a previously unfinished project.
Life has gotten more difficult. I feel alone and isolated. I feel weak and weary. I feel confused and forgotten. Friends are too busy for me. I go to church only to sit alone on a pew. I know no one. No one speaks to me. I leave feeling more lonely than before I came.
Life has worn me down. I want to rest. I want to sit and be quiet with You. I miss the time with you. I miss the peace. I remember your invitation:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)
Father, I miss You. I feel weary and burdened. I’m coming to You.
Tom
© Copyright 2010 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.
