Times of Refreshing

I'm not sure if I've ever really read Acts 3:19 ("times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord") that's referenced in a Bible study I'm completing, but today it really struck a cord. Lately, it feels as if I'm so out of the loop when it comes to staying on top of social matters (FB, email, Pinterest, texts, etc.). Granted, part of this is by choice, but part of it is due to time constraints. Still, I couldn't help but feel -- dare I admit it?-- envious of everyone who does seem to stay connected (or at least the appearance of being connected). "What is wrong with me? How does so and so do it? What am I doing wrong?" Thankfully, several friends spoke truth to me in light of my "concern" (which really shouldn't be one, honestly): Priorities vary from person to person, and right now, my priority is my children. While I'm not always on top of what's going on with all my friends, and I'm certainly not the best about checking status updates regularly, I am trying to make meaningful connections with my children. (Please don't assume that I'm saying those who diligently check FB updates are neglecting their kids, for I don't mean that at all. This is totally about me, my kids, and how I manage my time.)

Anyway, the verse from Acts resonated with me because of these recent circumstances. Had I read this passage prior to those destructive thoughts, I'm not sure it would have affected me as much; honestly, I might have just glanced over those words had I read them just a week ago. But God, in His infinite grace and goodness, knew when I needed to read them.

Go figure that I didn't read them until today. A week after those initial thoughts. And one day after some precious moments with Leah and Hunter. Yesterday afternoon I had wanted to get some cleaning done. I had wanted to make some baby food. But God had other plans. Scott had to fix part of the porch after work, which meant that my to-do list had to take a backseat. "Great. One less thing done, " I thought. But God did something better than expected: He used those unexpected minutes with my kids to refresh my spirit. I had a chance to play -- just play, with my babies, free from distraction. And though that meant we ate dinner a bit later, and the dusting didn't get done, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. All because I allowed God to prioritize my afternoon.

How freeing and refreshing to step out in accordance with God's will, neglecting the endless, all-important to-do list in favor of fleeting moments with two of the greatest blessings in my life! Now, if only I could remember this lesson, this truth, a bit more regularly.