The irony in the procrastination of this post is that it's an example of what I really want to write about - it's an example of not doing something at all when we feel we can't do it "right" or at least not the way we want to. It's about putting off something important, something we ought to do, for a time when we can do it the way it "should" be done. Here's the deal: perfectionism is paralyzing. The old adage is often true, "done is better than perfect."
There was a time in my life when I did my hair and make up every day, had money to burn, and considered yoga pants proper attire at the gym only (which also means I went to the gym. Ahem.). Obviously, that was a long time ago. During this time I also spent a lot of time studying the bible. I love to study the bible. I mean, I love it. I have a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies because I love to study the bible, and spending 4 years of my life studying the bible was pure bliss. But here's the thing, I am now married with three children 5 years old and under. Time, especially quiet time conducive to studying, is basically non-existent in my life. Is that ok? Yes. It is what it is. But since I can't get into the bible like I want to, I have fallen into the habit of not engaging with it at all. That's not okay. When I ask around it sounds like I'm not alone in this struggle.
Stay with me, because this is not the part where I try to make you feel guilty, tell you to get up earlier, or try to sell you a book -- You don't need to feel guilty, I'm telling you I am right there with you and guilt is just keeping us down. You may not be able to get up earlier- I set my alarm for 4:00, my little one woke up at 3:55. True story. I get it. And...I don't have a book to sell you. Please stay with me because I am sharing all this with you because it matters.
It matters for a lot of reasons, but for tonight I'll share just one little statement (that timer is ticking, remember?): according to a seven year study, "bible engagement" (that is, reading the bible, reflecting on its meaning and responding accordingly with our actions) has a significant impact on our life:
"... we’ve learned that [bible engagement] has the biggest impact on our lives – in overcoming temptation, building healthier relationships, and having hope in uncertainty – when we begin considering bits of Scripture throughout the day, at least four days a week. More is better. Less is significantly worse... after our research experts proved that daily Bible engagement is the absolute best tool God’s given us for our spiritual journey," [About goTandem.com]
Why aren't we doing it? I suspect there are many reasons for our lack of bible engagement: time, know-how, interest, just to name a few.
Over the next few weeks I would like to share with you a few ways you and I can get into the bible on a regular basis and have a better understanding of it's message in a way that fits into real life. Real life. I promise.
Who's with me?
So, tell me, what's keeping you from engaging the bible?
. . .
Bueller?