preparation

i've been wondering why i always seem to forget to plan time for preparation. someone asks if i can bring desert to a bbq and i say of course :) forgetting the labour involved. co-workers and i plan a few days travel in europe and we forget how much time it takes to book hotels and plan routes. a team of 16 people are here in less than two weeks and i am amazed at how long it takes to wrap up every detail from booking restaurants and activities, to organizing rotas, and making sure everyone knows what they are doing and at what time.

and its got me thinking about how we should be setting aside time to prepare to meet with God. its not so easy to just sit down and meet with God, my attitude often getting in the way. and then i wonder why my time with God isn't magical and why He seems silent. but i haven't made any preparations. i come and i sit, expectant. yet unprepared so nothing.

but like most things, we enjoy it all the more for the preparation that has been given to it. food tastes so much better when we take our time. a holiday is enjoyed because we are prepared for the journey and new discoveries. and planning for 16 people goes smoothly when we are prepared.

and my time with God becomes more significant when i take the time to prepare my heart. when i don't just plop down and think alright now i'm ready. talk to me.

thankful that God takes us as we are, with or without preparation. yet striving to give more time to preparation. preparing for daily life and preparing for meeting with God.

enjoying making mini-pavlovas for a bbq . . . taking my time . . . slowing down . . . and thinking of brother lawrence . . . .