Ponytails, Procrastination and Perfect Getaway

Back in high school, I developed a habit that did not serve me well. If I had to study for an exam, I would go up to my room, close the door, get out my books, binders, pen and sit at my desk. But . . . my hair felt floppy, so I'd put it in a ponytail, then I'd brush it out, then back into a ponytail. Then I'd look around my room concluding that my study time would be more effective if my room was clean. So I'd tidy my room, vacuum, do some laundry, sort a drawer or two and frame a picture for my wall. I'd make a cup of tea, wishing I had a cookie to go with it, so I'd bake . . . you get the idea. 

This morning, I read from Psalm 27 and I was reminded of how this habit of procrastination sneaks into our spiritual lives. We choose other things to accomplish what our heart truly longs for. We want to be fearless, calm, collected, cool, satisfied and secure. But . . . we wash the car, buy new clothes, get a haircut, talk about our concerns with friends, create better systems of organization, book a holiday, drink more coffee than necessary, post images of ourselves on social media and check to see how many people 'liked' what we posted. We renovate, fix, update, add, delete, minimize and decorate . . . but our hearts are still weary.

We read that David didn't procrastinate, he went straight to God for his needs: 

 "Light, space, zest—that’s God! So, with him on my side I'm FEARLESS, afraid of no one and nothing. When vandal hordes ride down ready to eat me alive, Those bullies and toughs fall flat on their faces. When besieged, I’m CALM as a baby. When all hell breaks loose, I’m COLLECTED and COOL. I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live WITH HIM in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty;  I’ll study at his feet. That’s the only QUIET, SECURE place in a noisy world, The PERFECT GETAWAY, far from the buzz of traffic." (Psalm 27:1-5)

And verse 14 . . .

"Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God."

So today . . .  take a deep breath, have courage and go directly to God for what you need. He is the perfect getaway.