Back to the basics

Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

2 Chronicles 7:14-15
"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place."

Yesterday was a different kind of day for this household, and one I rather enjoyed.  While God has provided funds for the plane ticket to Israel, we are still praying for the land fees to be provided.  I will have to mail them in one month.  One month to receive and mail off the $2250 that is due.  While I am praying daily about this, my husband suggested we do a day of fasting and prayer.  Back to the basics.  Through our discussion, we agreed to fast not from food but from the computer.  No email, no facebook, no blogging, none of it.  While this may sound simple to some, he and I both typically grab our laptops first thing in the morning, and then spend time on them throughout the day.  We disengage from one another and our daughter, and choose instead to be focused in on a blinking cursor.  How ridiculous.

I must say that there were times throughout the day I just wanted to "check in" for a minute.  However, starting my day reading the Bible as well as my Israel preparation book had me far more relaxed and smiling.  I did workout when I first woke up, but when I was finished I pulled out the books rather than the computer.  It was peaceful really.  We went to the library and ran a few errands as a family, and had fun doing it.

While the rest of the family took naps, I read a bit more and prayed.  This time had me feeling more rested than any nap ever has.  When my child was awake, rather than being distracted by technology, I was playing with her.  I love her laugh, and she loves time with Mommy and Daddy.  One of her love languages is definitely quality time, and she received plenty of it yesterday.

Part of me did not want the time to end, although I did browse on the computer last night to read about a journey, a hard journey, a dear friend is going through.  This morning, I grabbed the Bible first, and again, it was such a peaceful way to start the day.  I know this is true, I know this is the best way to begin my morning.  I have always known it, but I do not always do it.  Back to the basics.

By stripping away the noise of the world, I hear His voice so much clearer.  His sweet, gentle voice that beckons me to come, draw into him, and rest.  He tells me to abide in Him, to stay in the safety of His hands, and to humble myself and pray.  Back to the basics.