"The Way of the Heart"

I just read The Way of the Heart by Henri J.M. Nouwen. I wrote a book report on this for Seminary and here is an excerpt of what is going on in my heart right now:

“The very thing we need to do is set apart a time and a place to be with God and him alone.” - Henri J.M. Nouwen

This is something that my pastor, Miles McPherson, in San Diego taught very well. When I was a younger Christian I was able to practice this spiritual disciple in a daily basis and I think that is why I chose this quote. I remember waking up, struggling to wake up may be more truthful, at 5:00am to spend time with Jesus before heading off to Bible College. I remember getting on my knees and seeking Jesus. I remember reading the word and falling in love with it. I remember journaling out my prayers so I wouldn’t fall asleep; my heart longs for this special time with Jesus, again, on a daily basis.

I was doing well with this time with Jesus; I was able to wake up early and spend time with Jesus. I had my days where I had long nights out with students and times on missions trips that I wasn’t able to get this special alone time with God but I never really felt as empty as I do right now. I am not sure if it is because of being a new dad or seminary or work. I would love to have something to place the blame on; but the only blame can lie with my choices and me.

I need to make the time again to spend with Christ. I need to make a bedtime and stick to it. I need to take the time to focus on my savior. I want the energy and rejuvenation that Christ brings to my soul and I long for that. My soul thrives when I spend, at least, a dedicated hour of prayer and reading in the morning. I get convicted when I read the Bible for the first time, on some days, to study a message for the church. I think there is more and I want that daily time with God again; I need that.