9 Days of Seclusion: EXCLUSIVE

“Dark am I, yet lovely, Daughters of Jerusalem, Dark like the tents of Kedar, Like the tent curtains of Solomon. Do not stare at me because I am dark, Because I am darkened by the sun. My mother’s sons were angry with me and made me take care of the vineyards; My own vineyard I had to neglect.” ~Song of Songs 1:5-6

(Inspired by "Beloved" in the Song of Songs)

World, I am yours.

I am your psychiatrist, psychologist, prayer partner, nursing mother, midwife, and massage therapist.

You set your natural calendar around my schedule, gliding smoothly on your axis while I keep you going and keep things flowing like a basketball twirling between my fingers.

You think removing myself from your company is to invite anarchy to overcome you and allow humanity to veer headfirst like bumper cars into tangible distractions.

But I must. I must break away. I must retreat from life’s work if only for a moment.

I may be holding you up, but it is God who raises the roof. It is He who gave me strong limbs to carry your weight. Time now to carry the weight of my heart to Him.

I have to get on His schedule.

I have to get in His presence.

I have to get back my quality time.

I am compelled by the Father to find the time to kick back and bless the ONE who takes us higher.

And in turn, He will nourish my weakened spirit pulled and tugged out of shape like old play-doh.

“My lover spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See the winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.” ~Song of Songs 2:10-13

God, reset my soul. Change my vibe from the minimal pulse it has become to the rapid rhythm it is destined to be. Make me resilient once more to handle the world you’ve given me.

Don’t worry, World. I’ve got you, but only because God cares for me… with exclusivity.

Exclusive. Acceptance.

Exclusive. Time.

Exclusive. Love.

_____

What is more important than getting time in with God?

Nothing when even our very breath depends on Him.

Today is Palm Sunday. We commemorate the celebration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, but we should also start to transition our minds, as He did, from public obligations to private destiny.

Entering into Jerusalem represents the Savior's entry into His personal GOD n Me moments.

We all need to have GOD n Me moments.

Exclusive acceptance.

Exclusive time.

Exclusive love.

Regardless how much you give of yourself to others, there is still a part of you that only belongs to God. If quality, nurturing, replenishing time and attention from your Creator is not a priority now, then when? Don't just find time for God, make time for God. Let your planner, your calendar, your notifications reflect how important the God Who Reigns is in your life.

No more waiting for Heaven to call before we answer. Let's give our Heavenly Father the exclusive, all access pass He deserves.

Take out time for GOD.