Time Out

Did you ever have to stand in a corner or go to time out as a child? I did. Not often but when I did, I bet it had something to do with me being the “big sister” and should have known better. In our house we stood in the corner or nose to wall. I can still smell the wood paneled walls as I stood there and thought about what I had done- or got blamed for 😉 wink wink. What may have seemed like forever, as I stood there smelling the wall, it was an opportunity to reflect on what I should have done and remember what not to do next time. My parents were disciplining me or taking the opportunity to have me stop and think. Their intentions were to teach me in a loving way. As I grew older and especially today, I appreciate what they were trying to do to teach me right and wrong. – When, at the time, I felt like they were just punishing me…

I just started a new bible study in the book of Ezekiel. Right off- out of the gate, on day one, I wanted to share my take away or what grabbed my attention. This is my perception or understanding. The book of Ezekiel talks about how the Jews felt as if they were being punished (exiled) and they became bitter and they were not making good decisions. The book starts off as Ezekial has a dream which got his attention- and made him think. God revealed himself in this book described as a bow after the rain. I love that. The rainbow or prisim approach not only got Ezekiel’s attention but mine as well! So much so, he fell on his face in God’s Glory. I re-read the verse. Check it out -click here.

It reminded me that sometimes God has to exile you to get your attention so he can reveal himself to you. To get you to stop, think, and listen ( like that wood paneling wall). It is not punishment but the love of a Father to get you back on track out of His love for you.

Have you ever experienced this? Have you felt like you have been placed in a time out spritually? How does he intimately show His love to you? Or even if you do not feel like you are in a current time out, how does he grab your attention unexpectedly? For me, it is like a secret handshake to let me know He is there, He has my back, and for me to stop and take note- to think and appreciate His Glory. There are two ways He speaks to me with nature. When I find something beautiful growing in the least likely place, it reminds me that he is in control and beauty comes from even the weeds or rocks. The other way He intimately touches my spirit is the the sweet, soft tweet of a bird when you least suspect it.

What about you? Have you stopped lately to think or be in the quiet and asked God to reveal Himself to you?

Just something to think about. His love and mine! Straighten that crown and chin up my friend.