Refreshed to Reflect

There comes a time in every one's life when your entire being needs to be refreshed....body, mind, and soul. When we are not able to "refresh" it begins to show like a computer monitor that gets stuck in the same mode. It sort of "freeze frames".

Of course we all know to set aside little pockets of time to be alone with God and simply gather ourselves together mentally so that we can survive bodily and in our soul. Our souls are so much more than just getting little pockets of time. Our souls need gaps of time.

Recently I was able to get away for a night. I have been married nearly 22 years and this is the first time that I have allowed myself to and been able to get away...totally alone. I rented a hotel room for the night. After checking in, I went to the lake (alone), sat at a table and talked with God about how gorgeous it all was there. I went to dinner then back to the hotel room where I began to relax. I crashed...and I mean crashed...for nearly two hours. I awoke around 9:30 and decided to really BE with God.

During the next hour or so, I had a wonderful time with Jesus, truly my best friend whom I need to be alone with much more often. I really didn't know where to turn to in the Bible but I did know that I wanted wisdom. Where do you look for wisdom in the Bible? Proverbs of course. I turned to Proverbs 31.

Some of the verses really stood out to me:

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Strength and dignity...She has that innermost beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit later spoken of in the New Testament. Laughing at the days to come simply means that she does not worry about tomorrow for today has enough cares in itself.

Look at this women in the mirror. What does she look like? I picture her as a lady who takes care of herself; looking the best that she can (if you read the entire passage it tells of how she dresses herself). I imagine a look of gentle confidence in her eyes...a comforting and friendly smile on her face...and I imagine that she IS noticed...not because she is a "hottie" but because she is confident in who she is in Jesus. Her entire being exudes His being.

She acquires her wisdom from the Lord so that faithful instruction can come from her. That is why she is respected. She does not get caught up in things that really don't matter. She prioritises. THAT is something that stuck out to me. I do get up early for tea and quiet time...but other things...even caring for myself as my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit...therefore it is a reflection of Jesus.

I pray that you are able to truly take time to get refreshed in Jesus. Quiet your mind and spirit...listen to Him...talk with Him...rest in Him....reflect Him.