Cup of Life

I was sitting outside in the sunshine thinking about the latest book I've been reading a few days ago!  I've had it on my list for months and maybe even years to read The Cup of Life by Joyce Rupp.  I've read a book of hers before and this one really caught my eye.  Could I do a 6 week daily study on listening to God's voice.  Could I do anything daily for 6 weeks? I jumped in.  I felt that gentle nudging of- you never open your bible- you spend so much time on the computer- you are looking for something but not listening- you are not in control.

I have slowly carved out 20 minutes in the morning.  The boys seem perfectly happy watching a tv show in the bed with daddy and drinking their morning juice while I escape to the living room.  Sometimes I get interrupted but the calmness I feel shows that I need that time in the morning to focus on what I am to do and who I am suppose to serve.

The best part of the first day of reading was that Rupp said "you might not get it done everyday".  Oh hello....permission to not put so much pressure on myself.  Already one day I just plumb forgot!  No worries I picked up where I left off!

Rupp gives you a "to do" each day after you pray, journal, and read scripture.  A few days ago the reminder was to put your hand on your heart and remember with gratitude that God dwells within me. I felt a connection with this.  I could quietly do that when I was letting myself get anxious or cranky or feeling a loss of control- "God dwells in me".

I'm excited to see where the next 5 weeks take me!  I have posted a quote and verse on my fridge from this week and it is a healthy reminder to keep going.  The most significant part of the journey, Rupp says, is to draw closer to God.  Not to get it done and check it off the list!

Every time you listen with great attentiveness to the voice that calls you the Beloved, you will discover within yourself a desire to hear that voice longer and more deeply- Henri J.M. Nouwen