As I think of the sort of things my boys like doing with me – wrestling on the floor, laughing to the point of pain, going on daring pirate adventures that span the seven seas of our back yard – it makes me wonder if “quiet time” is an inadequate choice of words when it comes to describing our time in God’s presence. And I must be honest; I’m tired of hearing those two words – “quiet time” – almost as much as I’m tired of hearing people on the Today Show use the word “bling” as a reference to jewelry. I guess there’s nothing really wrong with the phrase “quiet time,” and it may well describe some Christians’ personal moments with God. But not me. I’m a 24-oz. Mountain Dew, bounce-off-the-wall, chicken-dancing kind of guy, and I don’t spend hardly any of my time “quietly” (except when I’m eating Blue Bell ice cream, which takes all of my attention and is somewhat of a religious experience of its own).
Perhaps it’s what the words “quiet time” represented to me growing up in my ultra-conservative bubble – rules. A set time, a set place, a certain number of verses, a certain number of minutes – it was like the spiritual SAT exam. And I bought into the legalistic formula hook, line and sinker. I thought “If a spastic monkey like me can sit on his hands for 30 minutes and be still, surely that proves my devotion to God.” (Usually it just proved that my rear end could fall asleep almost as fast as the rest of me).
I like my personal time with God to be less about rules and more about expressing myself to God at that particular moment – whatever form it may take. Reading scripture? Yes, of course. But it might also include hitting a bike trail and having my own little adventure in God’s back yard. Or maybe I need to light some of those candles that smell like banana-cream-something and write out a big thank-you note to Him. Or how ‘bout I focus on God’s power and majesty to the tune of the 1812 Overture while drinking ridiculous amounts of Mountain Dew? Of course, it’s not about me; it’s about pleasing Him. But what could please the Father more than seeing a child bask in His presence with abandon?
I don’t think God likes to be put in boxes (I know I don’t). And although being quiet and still before Him definitely has its place, it’s not the only way to express our hearts to God. So think outside the box – I believe that’s where He hangs out. And as you seek the Lord, exercise the uniqueness that He created in you.
Thanks for the encouragement, I'm still trying to get out of the bubble!
Posted by: Denker | February 02, 2006 at 06:33 PM
Hey, Carey! I am quickly becoming a fan of your posts. They're GREAT and I can't wait for the next! God Bless You!!!
Posted by: Nathan | February 02, 2006 at 11:06 PM
Can I just tell you how much I appreciate your links? Alot. Good, thanks.
Posted by: BS | February 03, 2006 at 04:48 AM
Shame on you, Carey, for not getting up at 4:45 every morning for a one hour quiet time!
Posted by: Brett | February 03, 2006 at 07:15 AM
I just noticed your "Completely random link of the week" and I couldn't help but laugh. I think you know why!
Posted by: Denker | February 03, 2006 at 11:57 AM
Why? Because my dad just returned from the annual convention of the International Natural Sausage Casing Association that met in Dubuque, Iowa. Let me tell you, those guys know how to party!
Posted by: Denker | February 03, 2006 at 11:59 AM