I am realizing more and more than spending time in God's Word looks different in every season of life. When I was in Bible college, I was immersed in the Scriptures. I often think that I took some of those years and being surrounded by God's Word lightly and didn't take advantage of those moments. Going to chapel sometimes felt like a burden (especially if I wanted to sleep or write a paper). Reading theology textbooks and commentaries was occasionally boring, especially if I could have been working on my fun Children's Ministry projects and assignments. If you are in Bible college right now, I am telling you, do not take those moments, those classes, the chapel sessions for granted. Thank God for the season of life that you are in and soak up as much of God's Word that you can.
When we got married, I would wake up and read my Bible and write in my prayer journal while eating breakfast. Sometimes those moments would last an hour or other times, only 15 minutes. There was no one around me to distract me and I could fully focus on God's Word. If I didn't get a chance to read in the morning, then I would later in the day, whenever I got a chance. During that season of my life, I was busy with things around the house, my marriage, friends, work and other commitments, but whenever I sat down with my Bible, it was just me and God.
When we just had Gavin, I still found that I was able to carve out time to focus and spend time in God's Word. Gavin was a great napper in the day and I tried to sit down on the couch with a coffee and my Bible while he was napping. If I didn't have the time though, I would turn on a sermon or listen to worship music or an audio Bible so I could meditate on God's Word while working around the house.
I am in a different season of life now. I find my time spent in God's Word is during the 20 minutes that Curious George is on TV in the mornings. I grab my coffee and my Bible, make sure that Gavin and Cameron have enough cheerios and follow along with She Reads Truth devotional plans on my iPad, while taking breaks to wipe noses and rescue the bouncy ball from underneath the couch. It is a different season of life, but I am still able to spend time in God's Word.
Some other ways I am learning to meditate on God's Word in this season, is looking at the Scripture art that I place on the walls of our home (you can find many beautiful prints for free!) and listening to worship music throughout the day (here's a great playlist that I listen to).
I am not at all saying I am perfect or I have this down pat. Not at all. I am still learning and figuring out this season of being in God's Word. Hopefully there will be the day, when I can wake up early and sit on the couch with my coffee as my children sleep past 6:30am, and spend time in God's Word. Until that time comes though, I am learning how to draw near to God through reading His Word in this season with young children.
When I do spend that time with God, I am blessed, challenged and ready to take on the day, however it may end up. I pray that whatever season you find yourself in (maybe you are able to wake up early!), that you spend time in God's Word. He is waiting to speak to you. You will be blessed!
