Plans for breakfast?
You prepare a table before me. Psalm 23:5 NIV
“Breakfast is ready! Come to the table!”
Who has not uttered these words or at least heard this call? Often what follows is silence and a period of waiting, soon to be followed by another call and another period of waiting―then perhaps another, and another.
Frustration certainly sets in after I prepare a nice breakfast and those I call do not come, or they simply choose to come on their own timetable. Then, upon arriving at the table, they groggily devour what I have prepared with hardly a word spoken, much less one of gratitude.
Starting our day with a good breakfast boosts our energy, increases our attention span, and heightens our sense of well-being. By recharging the brain and body, we are more efficient in just about everything we do.
Recently, God reminded me how, more times than I care to confess, I hear his early morning call and yet keep him waiting after he has prepared a wonderful table for me. Far too often I choose to grab a quick bite on the run by reading a one-minute devotion, listening to my favorite worship CD, or pulling up an inspiring message on my iPod. Though beneficial, these are all poor substitutes for spending time at the table with my Savior, enjoying his presence, gleaning from his Word, and pausing to give thanks.
Just as eating a good breakfast maintains our physical and mental well-being, coming to the table at the Lord’s call enhances our spiritual well-being. Our inner man is energized, our spiritual awareness and discernment are heightened, and our knowledge and love for the Lord and others grows deeper. By recharging our spiritual bodies, not only do we become more efficient in all we do, but all that we do glorifies him.
Oops! I’m so sorry. I hate to run. But I think I hear my Father calling. By the way, do you have breakfast plans this morning?
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net.
Starr Ayers is a third-generation artist, writer, amateur photographer, and speaker residing in Asheboro, North Carolina. As the mother of a daughter with Down Syndrome, she has personally experienced the heartbreak of children labeled as “different.” Her heart is to encourage the acceptance of those with life-challenging disabilities and to inspire others to embrace their own uniqueness. Starr writes devotions and is currently pursuing the publication of her first children’s picture book, Arianna, the Angel with Two Left Wings. She and her husband, Michael, have two daughters. Visit Starr at http://365degreelens.blogspot.com or email her at starrayers@triad.rr.com.
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