Five Minute Friday: SECRET
I do a considerable amount of social media sharing as well as blogging here as time and will permits. I post photos of my kids, and offer my opinions and thoughts on some topics — though I try to stay away from the most controversial ones. I have always considered myself an extrovert (though I would say that I have become content more and more with being at home either by myself or with my family). But my preference is still to be connected, caring and sharing, learning and loving together with others who love the Lord or those who are yet to meet Him. I also tend to be an over-sharer!
These days, however, I am learning to savor the secret moments with Jesus. I planned to share with you all my thoughts and feelings as the anniversary of Ezra’s delivery drew near. Instead, I prayed and cried and listened to worship music while reading my Bible and journaling all the surprising thoughts that came on the fifth anniversary. He comforted me, reminding me of the truths of His word and the hope of heaven we have because of His sacrifice. I felt treasured and loved, and that moment was all mine. It was sacred and secret and so incredibly sweet. Even telling you about it now steals away some of the beauty it seems.
I didn’t get around to blogging out all the things that came up in my heart on that day or really any days of the last month or two. I’ve fallen behind on blogging publicly, but I have been writing for myself. I’ve been writing prayers and hopes and dreams in communion with my Savior who offers no judgment — only guidance and discernment dished out by a loving Father. I’m lapping it up in the secret spaces, so thankful for the moments that are all mine. My time with Him doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s or have to be perfectly filtered and framed to be precious. I don’t even have to share it because there’s always enough of Him to go around.
I’ve realized I have little to offer this internet world and all that can be said has likely already been said. But little is much in God’s kingdom, so I think I’ll keep coming back. I’ll share with you bits and pieces of what happens in the secret, sacred spaces. And I’ll always encourage you to find Jesus each and every day in the moments you get to keep as your own. Seek out that secret, sacred time with Him and don’t accept any lousy substitute. And don’t share it all either. Keep some of that sacred goodness for yourself. It will keep you coming back for more.
One of my favorite verses: Jesus said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” – Mark 6:31
Good stuff! Thanks for sharing!
I’m sorry for your loss, but so glad that you have spent secret time with Jesus to mourn, be comforted and revel in his peace.
Thanks so much, Anita! You’re a blessing!
Thinking of you friend! Those sacred moments are so precious and holy.
Indeed! Thank you, Tara!
Oh how often I let “lousy substitutes” steal my sacred time with Jesus. Thank you for sharing your inspired words. God Bless You, Cindy #fmf
Cindy, I am so guilty of the same!
I love to see that you’re embracing the secret time with Jesus… It’s a fine line to get to in such a “selectively public” time!
You’re so right about that! I am constantly evaluating my “selectively public” activities. Asking God for wisdom and discernment in this modern age!
What a powerful and encouraging post. Finding the right balance between sharing the nuggets discovered in our secret, sacred times and oversharing is a constant struggle for me (for many, I believe). So often, my heart is full to overflowing after spending time with my savior….that I am “just bursting” to share…and then I have to thoughtfully consider how much was just for me personally – a personal communication and connection that does not need to be shared.
As always, I am blessed when you do keep coming back. Thanks for posting!