As I was lying in bed last night, I closed my eyes, tears leaking out of the corners. I was frustrated, discouraged, hurting and kind of lonely. It stemmed from a way too hectic schedule and from missing my time with God. Then out of nowhere - God gave me a vision. Consider yourself warned, it's an odd one. It made me laugh out loud and the tears suddenly stopped as I looked at the sight behind my closed eye lids. I saw a helmeted turtle standing upright in a boat, out in the middle of a body of water. Seems logical, right? It really made me laugh and then made me wonder. I asked God what it was supposed to mean and the interpretation came immediately.
I was to slow down and get in the boat... Whoa. It was so clear. And so totally opposite of what I've been doing. And just like that, things suddenly got a little bit clearer and I thought back over the past couple of weeks.
I’ve been moving one-hundred miles an hour, tying to get as much done as possible. Running here, running there. Doing this, doing that. Saying yes over and over and over again. I’m just trying to paint a picture - probably one that many of you are familiar with in your own life. Then, suddenly, I hit the end of the day and I realize I haven’t taken any time to sit down with God....once again. Day one, day two, day three. The pattern continues until I honestly feel like I can’t breathe.
I got frustrated with God...how on earth do I find the time? How exactly am I supposed to get in the boat? What about the things still moving around me?
Get in the boat, He gently replies.
So I did.
I got in.
I’ve spent most of this week sitting in the boat with Jesus and listening to the soft beckoning of His voice that comes through reading His word and drawing closer to His heart.
Let me tell ya, friend.
It’s been SO good.
The world around me slowed down.
The pace of life didn't seem so fast.
I could breathe more clearly.
My thoughts were re-focused on the Lord and my prayers began to take on deeper meaning.
I'm learning that as God continually prepares me for something bigger, there will be trials. This is one of those times I believe He is asking more of me.
There are and will be seasons when it's hard to hear His voice...but He is always there and ever so patient with us.
All He is asking is that we take the time to get in the boat and He'll take care of the rest.
Who is jumping in to the boat with me?
Let’s ride it out together, friends!
Hugs,
Taryn
// About Taryn
Insta: @taryn.it.upppp
I’m an almost thirty year old gal who has experienced the radical transformation that only Jesus and His love can bring about. Although originally from Ohio, I now live in southern Tennessee and have added the phrase ya’ll to my every day vocabulary. ⠀
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You can usually catch me singing along to most any song that comes on, sipping a chai tea latte at a local coffee shop, or enjoying time outdoors which is where I connect with God the most!