"Because my life is rarely neat and together, I attempt to make my devotional spot a regular place where I can spend my quiet, holy moments resting in beauty and having a sense of civility. I needed to have a place that was ready--and that would give peace to my soul--even if for a few moments. This gives a sense of order to the rest of my life, even when the other edges of my life are seemingly out of control. Life in our home with four kids, a dog, and people in and out rarely provides composure.
Yet when my inner life is composed, my outer life feels manageable." -The Mom Walk
Often times, the way we begin our day sets the tone for how the rest of it will look. It's crucial that we counter the loud, stressful alarm clock or toddler with some peace and quiet prior to jumping straight into the chaos of the day. Some mamas I know do this at night before they go to bed. Whatever your habits, intentionally decide to breathe peace into your soul before you go out into your day. I spend a lot of time straightening my house and attempting to keep a peaceful, orderly environment that soothes and blesses my family. And so I have understood that I need to continually seek to bring peace and centeredness to my soul, which is constantly being tested and getting in disarray! I am a passionate, philosophical, artistic person. I am very relational but love, hunger to have time to think, read, write, and drink lots and lots of tea and coffee and to do it all alone! It doesn't always happen, but when I fight to find a place for a few minutes of this kind of centering with my heart, mind, and to give the day to God, then a habit is built and a foundation is laid over days and days of practice.
Don't allow your desire for perfection to rob the joy out of this day. Each day is filled with it's own set of tasks and troubles, but try to find the beauty in this morning. Even if it's just a cozy corner, for a very few moments, it is important to sit down, create your own little place that's in your control in the midst of chaotic life. Cozy devotional corners can include:
-Candles -Hot cup of tea or mug of coffee -Comfy pillows -Flowers -Journal -Bible -Artwork -Beautiful music ready to go at the push of a button
A basket full of devotionals or inspiring books that can be picked up for short bursts of inspiration.
When you take a moment to invest time and energy in your own sense of calm, you will find the rest of the day much easier to manage. Peace begins inside of our hearts, and only when we are filled with it can we pour it out into the various areas of our lives. As you prepare to do this week's mini bible study with the scripture and questions below, go find your comfortable, quiet, devotional spot (your cozy corner!).
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." -Isaiah 26:3
"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house." -Luke 10:5
"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble." -Psalm 59:16
Ask yourself: -Which spot in your home can be the safe haven for your morning devotional? -How can you make time to have a moment to yourself? Does this mean waking up earlier? Setting aside a special quiet time during the afternoon? Enjoying a quiet evening on the porch at sunset? -How much more efficiently do you think you will be able to handle the rest of your day if you had your very own quiet time each morning?