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 The Clutter of Activity
by Jane Vincenzi
As I approach almost sixty years of life, I pride myself in the fact that I remain active. Each morning, while lying in bed, my mind begins to race as I think of activities planned for the day. I offer up a quick prayer and then I am "up and at 'em." For years, the same routine has been carried out almost as a ritual. In fact, if truth be known, I get annoyed if anything or anyone interrupts the start of my day. I walk Susie, our five pound Yorkshire terrier, and pick up two local newspapers that have been tossed on the ground. Occasionally, I will look up at the sky and thank God for the beautiful world He has created. I throw the newspapers on the sofa and then head for the kitchen. Of course, Susie, being the alpha dog that she is, demands her breakfast. Since she is such a tiny pup with a delicate, digestive system, I pound her hard food with a hammer. Her tiny, "grits for teeth" can now crunch the bite size pieces of food. After pouring myself a cup of steaming coffee, I robotically walk to the family room. I hit the remote for the television and plop down on the sofa. The noise of a yapping dog, a pounding hammer, and newscasters fill the air. Abruptly, the stillness of the morning comes to an end. The clutter of activity has begun. Clutter is defined as "a disorderly heap." I have more clutter than anyone I know. When you walk into my basement, your eye immediately goes to the stacks of boxes and big, black plastic bags that are overstuffed with clothes. I have old clothes, old furniture, old mattresses, old photographs, old everything. I could open up a thrift store with the inventory I have in stock. I keep telling myself that one day I am going to sort through things and give it all away. One day ... yes, one day. Being a strong type A personality, I thrive on activity. This morning is an unusual morning for me. Having strained a muscle in my back, I am quietly reading God's Word. The clutter of activity has ceased. It is just God and me. The Holy Spirit has been prompting me for quite some time to "be still and know" that the LORD is God (Psalm 46:10). There is silence and then He speaks. "I always live 'to intercede' for you" (Hebrews 7:25). What do you live for? I became numb. To be completely honest, I live for myself. Yes, I love the Lord. I love my husband. I love my family. I love my friends. But what do I live for? Is it to do my Lord's bidding? Ashamedly, I must say no. Too many distractions have led me astray from God's purpose in my life.
Oh, Holy Spirit, renew a right spirit within me so that I will "devote myself to prayer" (Colossians 4:2). Jesus, I thank you for removing the clutter of activity from my life today. Lord, I thank you that I am keenly aware of your presence in the quiet times. For it is in those times, my spirit is able to receive your Truth. My Lord and my God, I thank you for speaking as you always do ... in a still, small voice.
Title: "The Clutter of Activity" Author: Jane Vincenzi Publication Date: June 26, 2007 |
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Jane McRee Vincenzi is a homemaker in Marietta, Georgia. A Christian for over 33 years, Jane uses her spiritual gifts of teaching and exhortation in her writings.
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HEARTLIGHT® Magazine is produced by Heartlight, Inc. HEARTLIGHT is a registered service mark of Heartlight, Inc. Copyright © 1996-2007. Heartlight is supported by Westover Hills Church, Southern Hills Church, and loving Christians from around the world. Scripture quotations are taken from the Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. Used by permission. All rights reserved. |