A slightly different topic this week. Well, maybe not.
The point is still the same. By pursuing godly balance in my life I move closer to biblical fulfillment and true joy. The key to the process is the godly part.
Cultivating a relationship with the One true God that fills our thoughts every moment is a worthwhile endeavor. This week it came to me that there are a couple of times in each day that carry an added bonus for pilgrims to work toward that goal. See if you agree.
The first happens in the morning.
The alarm goes off or the sun shines through the window and my mind pops on. My eyes might open to check the time as my thoughts begin to stir.
That’s the time I need to place my hands on the wheel and steer my brain toward my Father and His Word. It’s the most effective way to sidetrack the flow of consciousness that wants to flood my head with a list of tasks never-to-be completed.
When I put my feet on the floor and start my routine the events coming up that day begin to pour. I guess it’s pretty natural because it’s been happening for a lifetime. But there are points in that process where I catch myself and come back in line with the track I want to follow … close to my Lord.
And now I know what to call this part of my day. And here’s why.
Mary Denman is a photographer. She’s quite accomplished while I’m merely an enthusiast. Mary is also friendly and puts out a great blog where she posts tips under interesting headings, such as Photo Tip Friday. This particular tip was where I learned about the photography term, the Golden Hour.
You can read Mary’s professional description if you follow the link. My adaptation is that the first and last hour of each day holds a special combination of effects that makes it different from the other hours of the day. She talks about degrees from the horizon while I hang onto the reality that life usually just gets busier as the day wears on.
According to Mary’s blog, there’s another Golden Hour at the end of the day. She explains how the sun’s rays have to shine through extra atmosphere which adds longer shadows and softer light.
I just know this is the time I can reflect on the way the LORD has led me through the twisting and turning events of my day. They never seem to go the way I plan.
And in this closing hour I find myself thankful for the way I’ve been carried along the track laid out for me. Okay, so it also includes instruction on the ways I need to adjust my attitude and improve my sensitivity to Holy Spirit’s prodding. Those are what might be called the teachable moments when the Father has my full attention as my body winds down for rest and refreshment.
How about you? Do you find early morning and later evening stand out in your days?
I pray the God of all peace will lead you into His presence and grant you Golden Hours galore, whenever they fit your schedule.
In His precious grasp,
Sandra