Last week, I stumbled upon an article by Victoria Aurand, another Odyssey at Western Michigan writer, "8 Bible Verses For When College is Getting The Best of You," and as I read it I felt inspired. So within the past week I have taken time out of each day to remind myself that the Lord is here with me.
The past week has made me genuinely happier, and I want to share with all of you how to involve the Lord into your busy everyday life too!
1. When you're brushing your teeth in the morning, name five things that you absolutely love about your life.
As you're thinking of these five things don't start off thinking too in depth. It can be simple things like "I love my mom and dad," or even "I love dogs." As you go on, you'll find yourself thinking of more personal situations. Tie each back to how the Lord put these beautiful things into your life or gave you the ability to achieve them.
2. On your way to class or work, take a moment to look at the trees or the weather, or even the buildings you're walking or driving past.
We see the simple things in life every single day, but we are too busy to stop and look at the individual beauty of them. So glance over at the tree you walk by every single day and admire the sunlight shining through the leaves and let yourself be in awe by the way the Lord has single-handedly created a world full of such lovely nature. Surrounded by buildings? Take a second just to recognize the architecture of them and imagine the strength it took the men and women who built them, and thank the Lord for giving them that strength. Or while you're driving, thank the Lord for the sunny day, or thank Him for giving you the option of being in the car while it's pouring down rain outside.
3. While you're eating, whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, thank the Lord for the food in front of you.
We live in a world where some have an overabundance of food, and others will eat mud to keep their stomachs satisfied. No matter what it is you're eating, recognize that you are blessed to have the opportunity to simply eat this meal. The Lord has given you the benefit to eat, whether it's mud, ramen noodles, or a five-course meal, He has given you the chance to satisfy your hunger.
4. When you're freaking out, take a breather.
Whether it's a test, personal life, or work getting you stressed, just stop and take a breather. The Lord has granted you these struggles because he has so much faith that you will overcome them. Remember that the Lord would never put anything in front of you that He doesn't believe you can handle.
5. When your head finally hits your pillow at the end of the day, take a second to pray.
You don't have to get down on your knees before your bed, you don't have to go to a church, and you don't have to say it out loud for your prayers to be heard. The Lord will accept your prayers any place, any time. We are all busy, and sleep is limited, so He understands if you're in bed when you finally get the chance to pray. Prayers can be as simple or as in depth as you personally want them to be; tell the Lord you had a bad day, or tell Him it was great, thank Him for everything He has done for you and all the things you realize He has done for you, or ask Him for his help in your time of need, or simply tell Him goodnight. No matter what you say, He is going to listen.
So, the next time you wish you had extra time and feel like you're slipping away from the Lord, remember that there are at least five ways you can incorporate the Lord into your thoughts during your busiest days.
