I plopped down on the sofa to rest my legs after folding my last load of laundry. What’s next? Oh yea–I looked down and sighed—connecting with Jesus…again. This “one goal” challenge of connecting with Jesus throughout the day was starting to wear on me.
I knew thanking and praising God would renew my communication with him again, but I didn’t feel like doing it this time. Plodding on through my tasks seemed easier.
I did it anyway.
“Thank you again for a roof over my head, food in the closet, family and friends.” I lifted my gaze to the ceiling.
Like wilted flowers revived with water, my energy returned and my spirits lifted. Hey, maybe I should try living with a grateful heart all the time.
But if connecting with Jesus was so easy and rewarding, why did I resist? Because I was bored with repeating the same old list of things I’m grateful for, and continually thinking up more things seemed like too much effort.
There must be more ways of connecting with Jesus. I thought about it for a few minutes and came up with a plan.
My “Connect with Jesus” Plan
- Each morning, I would read the Bible verses about the vine and the branches—John 15:1-17—and listen for new insight on connecting. I’d read from several translations to get even deeper insight and vary my routine each day.
- I’d set the devotional book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young in plain sight on the coffee table to read during an afternoon break. That would help me refocus on Jesus later in the day.
- I needed to get out and exercise more, so I’d try to take a daily prayer walk and talk with Jesus as I stroll around the neighborhood, weather permitting.
- And music—Christian praise songs have thanksgiving built-in. I’d make a point to turn on a praise CD from time to time, and listen to a Christian music station in my car.
- I’d still thank and praise God intermittently.
I took a deep breath. This plan seemed do-able. Practicing a continual attitude of gratitude would be good to try sometime, but for now I’d mix it up a little.
I’d love to hear your ideas on ways to connect with God. What do you do to draw closer to Jesus?
The Never Ending Gifts 