WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME ...?

Recently, I was reminiscing about times gone by—of weekends at my grandparents, of unique 
activities on the farm, of just sitting around and enjoying each other's company.  If we're not 
very careful, it is easy to forget where we've been and of long held traditions sacrificed by our 
mad rush into the future.  For example, when was the last time you just sat in a chair in the 
backyard and enjoyed the sunset?  When was the last time you sat in a swing with your spouse 
and just talked?  When was the last time your family got in the car and went driving somewhere 
you've never been just for the fun of it?

I don't know about you, but sometimes I just wish the world would slow down and let me get off 
for a while.  Just long enough so that I could appreciate all that God gives us from day to day.  
The Bible is full of instructions to slow down, to reflect, to wait.  Notice the following 
encouragements:

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night."  (Ps. 
1:2)
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." (Ps. 37:7)
"Be still, and know that I am God."  (Ps. 46:10)
"The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him." (Hab. 2:20)
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings 
as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isa. 40:31)

Summer is upon us.  And unlike the slow summers of my youth, it seems that this time of year is 
busier than all the rest.  May I encourage you, in all the rush of summer's activities, to just pause 
and reflect on all that God has given you, all that He means to you, and all that He does for you.  
Take some time to enjoy God!

Enjoying God,

Leslie S. Chapman