'We talk too much and pray
too little. We worry too much and pray too little.’
I have to say that I TOTALLY agree with her statement.
Not because I’m part of Lisa’s book launch team and have an advanced copy
of ‘I Want God’ in my hot little hands to read and review -- and possibly to give
away later -- and therefore, feel as though I HAVE to agree.
No. I agree because I’ve lived this in the past. And, truth be told (sad truth that it is), Lisa's words resonate with me all too well because I’m
living this right now, in the present.
But believe me – I DON’T WANT TO LIVE THIS IN THE
FUTURE.
Because
talking too much and worrying too much is a pathetic and exhausting way to
live. For a follower of Christ. For
anyone.
I took this photo of a
tiny old woman who lives somewhere in my neighborhood. She’s as frail looking
as a dragonfly’s wing. Her face is a mosaic of wrinkles. She walks so
agonizingly slow, if she were in a race with a snail, I believe the snail would
win. No contest.
And yet – EVERY DAY, this
little babushka lady makes her slow and steady way to the church across from
my house and stands at the gate for a good 20 minutes – and prays.
This is her time, and her sacred spot, where she meets and speaks with God on a daily basis. On hot days and
cold days. On sunny days and cloudy days. She takes no notice of those who look
at her as they pass by, some pointing and giggling. Some shake their heads at
her, muttering sarcastic remarks. Some actually
just stop for a moment or two to stare at her, as if she were an oddity.
But really, in this day
and age, in our society and through the eyes of the world – that’s exactly what she is.
An oddity
Unusual
Old fashioned, even
A woman
who sets aside time EVERY DAY to bring her burdens to the Lord and unload them
at His feet.
A woman who doesn’t talk too much or worry too much, who doesn’t
pray too little.
Some may argue that we can
pray to God anywhere. We don’t have to stand in front of a church, or even inside
of a church.
And yes -- I know that’s
true. You and I can talk to God in the car on our way to work, to school, to the grocery
store; while we’re doing laundry, jogging, walking the dog; as we soak in the tub, splash in our in-ground pool, sit at a table at Starbucks and sip our coffee, etc.
THEN FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD -- WHY AREN’T WE?
Why are so many of us
wasting too much time talking and texting and worrying and woe-is-me-ing? Why
are so many of us playing and platforming and pouting and posting online too
much?
And praying too little?
This little old woman
could do her aging, broken and no doubt hurting body a HUGE favor by staying
home and praying from the confines and comfort of her living room easy chair or from her bed.
But I love the fact that
she doesn’t.
I love the fact that she wants God enough to, every day, choose to
grab her cane, step out of the comfort of her home, and hobble her way down to
her outdoor meeting place, where she stands on holy ground to have some Face Time with God, caring not who
sees her, or what they think of or say about her.
I want to want God like
that.
I want to stop talking too
much and worrying too much and praying too little.
I want to be looked upon as an oddity. Old fashioned. Unusual.
Because I want God.
How about you?
(If you are tired of wanting things that are useless, don't make sense and don't last; if you want your life to be changed; if you're wondering what all this #IWantGod stuff is all about, go on over to Lisa Whittle's website or visit and follow her author's page on Facebook and Twitter
