Jesus said, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away” (Luke 10:42 NIV.)

In the year 2000, God unexpectedly called me to phase out of my busy counseling schedule to spend more time in intercessory prayer and more time in His presence. I had a hard time making the adjustment and found myself chaffing at the slower pace of my life.

Then our daughter, who lives some distance away, asked if I could come and watch our two-year-old granddaughter for several days. Because of the timing of the trip, I knew my husband could only be with us for part of the visit. I was inwardly ecstatic at the thought of having our granddaughter all to myself because it doesn’t happen often.

Suddenly I realized that perhaps that’s how God felt about this time in my life–ecstatic about having me all to Himself rather than having to share me with all the demands of my counseling ministry. Even though I had spent time with Him each day, my mind was often so filled with the problems of my clients that it had been hard for me to focus on Him.

 My attitude about the changes God had required in my life was transformed as I began to look at it from His perspective. I was reminded again that quality time with God is more important to Him than any of the feats of valor we may accomplish in His name.

Father, help us not to lose the sweetness of your presence in the frenzy of the urgent.

(Devotional adapted from Homespun Faith, Reflections from the Seasons of Life, copyright 2014 Daisy Beiler Townsend. Available as paperback or e-book: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon Press. There are Links on this website on the Where to Buy Homespun Faith and Sarah’s Legacy page. Locally at Fresh Grounds, M & M Grocery, Penn Alps in Grantsville, Maryland, or from me 724-373-8445.)