There is alot to be said for a day off. Most people think of a Saturday as a “day off”, but my Saturdays tend to be very busy. I usually spend them catching up on household things, bill-paying, activities, laundry, meetings, and commitments…more and more things find their way into my schedule book and take up the 24 hour rapture-from-the-work-week, Saturday. This past Saturday was my first real day off in about two months. I didn’t have to drive anywhere, make appointments, or anything. Instead I spent the day sleeping, cooking, reading, talking with friends, even went on a walk…I had a Saturday of renewal and it was wonderful.

Feeling rested and renewed I have a sense of inspiration today. I feel excited about a new week and the opportunities that it may hold for me. Yesterday Bobby talked about the need to live available for the Lord’s use. I think when we are stressed and tired and our life is chaotic or we just can’t seem to get it together and do enough in a day…the idea of availablility seems impossible to fit into life. This weekend I realized that if I am disciplined–mastering my time, rather than letting time master me–all of me, not just my schedule, is available for the Lord’s use. In my life, availability is closely linked to a lifestyle of discipline. Waking up early enough to take the time to be ready for my day; eating healthy and getting plenty of rest; reading and thinking on the Word; being in daily contact with friends and family that care for me and encourage my obedience to the Lord; praying continually about everything; talking less, listening more; thinking about others above myself; looking on the bright side of things; being on time; encouraging someone; focusing on God and not my circumstances. As God has been growing me in these ways, this becomes my lifestyle and my desires culminate into being obediently available to Him. I think all of the lessons I’m learning somehow fit into this. “Love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life.” (Deuteronomy 30:20) Are we available to Him?