Are you a "squeezer" or a "pleaser"?

This question was asked in our morning devotional (VeggieTales 365 Day Starter Devos for Boys), "...are you a "squeezer" or a "pleaser"? Do you squeeze God into your schedule with a prayer before mealtime, or do you please God by talking to Him far more often than that?"

Although these devotions are supposed to be for the boys' benefit, this question and statement spoke to me.  We are very intentional about having devotionals and family worship time with the boys, about being at church for Sunday School and service every Sunday, about going to AWANA every week, about memorizing scripture, about talking about biblical principals throughout the day, etc. We want to make sure that they know how very important it is to make time for God and to worship Him.  But, the thought occurred to me, "how much time do I personally spend alone, quietly with God?"  It is very easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of each day... doing chores, doing lessons/crafts/playtime with the boys, running errands, and "unwinding" at the end of the day vegetating in front of the television or computer (ouch, that one hurt to admit)?

The bible teaches us the importance of quiet time... Psalm 62:5 says "I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him." And Psalm 46:10 says "... Be still and know that I am God..."  It can be very difficult to carve out quiet time alone with God each day... but oh how it pleases Him when we do! How we glorify and show Him our love when we do! He has blessed us so richly and is it really to much to ask that I give Him some of my time, alone, just us?? No, its not. It's actually very little for Him to ask of us.

This time can be spent at ANY part of our day... we can choose. Everyone is different and has different schedules so this time may be best spent for you first thing in the morning, or on lunch break in your car, or when the kids are napping, or at night when everyone else has gone to bed. It doesn't matter when you do it, it just matters that you do it.

It is also important that we teach our children about this concept from an early age. If we do, then it will just be a natural part of their every day when they are older. Although, I will be the first to admit that teaching a 3 and 4 year old about quiet time can be, well, a challenge... but it is definitely doable. When they are very excited or want to play or in need of a nap... these are not times to practice. You know your children best so you will be the best judge of when good quiet time would be.  For us, its going to be first thing in the morning when they wake up and they are rested, but still sleepy. This is also the best time for me, too. I really enjoy quiet time alone in the morning. Let them "catch" you having your quiet time and invite them to join you. Explain what you are doing and why you are doing it. Read to them as well, and pray with them. This only has to take a few minutes, especially if they are very young. The important part is that they see you and understand what this time means to you. This time will be a very precious time for you and for your children... and for God.

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—  rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:3-4