It is challenging to use time wisely.  What comes first?  What should be now?  What should be later?  When should I be flexible? When should I remain firm? It’s so hard to know. This journal entry is about timing, how God personally knows and uses us, and how He values relationships.

From the journal . . . . August 2001

God, I love You so much.  Thank You for always being with me.  I thought that I should call Linda about the picnic.  Then I thought, “ No I’m doing this journaling now and will call after.” Soon I felt okay to interrupt my journaling by making the call.  I caught her just before she went to work and it was good timing.  Coincidence? I don’t think so. The more I walk and trust in God, the less I believe in coincidences!

Jesus, I believe You do care about these things in my life.  You care about me.

And God Said to Me:

Yes.  I do.  The little details are part of the whole.  They occupy your mind and soul.  Any part of your life that you allow Me in, I come in.  I love you and if you have stress, I care.  I love Linda.  She needs encouragement and she likes you.  Life is about relationships.  There is room for other ‘things’.  Yes, the things you love: the mountains, the seas, animals, flowers, sunshine, rain. 

Psalm 139:1-3 O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.

You could go on forever but love in relationships is the meaning of life. 

Matthew 22:37-38 And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38This is the great and foremost commandment. :39The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ : 40 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Ruth loved Naomi and she was committed to her.  She loved Me and she yearned for righteousness. Paul was committed and determined to give wholeheartedly to the cause of righteousness. 

Paul’s zeal for truth brought him into relationships that taught him about love.

 Ruth’s zeal for relationships and loyalty brought her to righteousness and truth.

Ruth 1:16-17 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. ¹⁷ Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.”
Romans 1:1. Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

Lord, how I love You!  I don’t know where I fit between Ruth and Paul, but I relate to both.  Thank you for Your love.

Jesus, I want to be more aware of You today. I feel very close to you now and I want that closeness to remain all day. It’s a busy day and I need You.  Please use me for Your purposes today.