Not long ago, I left my FitBit
to charge beside my bed. I went about my day and returned a few hours later to collect it. But much to my dismay, it was still completely dead! I checked the outlet, checked the plug…and checked the charger. What do ya’ know? In my rush, I hadn’t correctly lined up the dots on the back of the watch with the dots on the charger…there was no connection. And it made me think.
What Went Wrong
So many days, I wake up, read a quick verse or two, pray a little prayer, and go on with my day. But as each hour proceeds, I find myself tired, irritable, impatient, and quite honestly, selfish and unloving. And I wonder what went wrong? I spoke to the Lord that morning, read His word…I should be full of the Fruits of the Spirit
! Loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind…you know the list.
But the truth is, I hurriedly went through the motions. I sat down, plugged in, and threw a quick “quiet time” together. But I failed to connect. I failed to be still and allow myself to be recharged and rejuvenated by the One who brings rest and healing to the soul.
Lining up those dots…truly connecting…takes precision and care.
It takes slowing down and giving undivided attention to the task at hand. It takes something I don’t give most days…less of me and more of Him.
This little lesson put a longing in my heart to be filled to the brim with the Lord and His goodness. To recharge in His arms and be able to live life abundantly EVERY day. Not be half-connected or barely hanging on, but feeling that spark of life consistently.
But one question remained.
How do I know when I’m fully connected? How do I know when I’ve recharged? A phone or game or other electronic device shows a battery with the percentage that has been filled on the 
screen. Unfortunately, our hearts don’t come with that! But, there are other ways to tell when our hearts and minds are full of strength from the Lord.
Ya’ ready? We think things, say things, and do things…that we in our own strength couldn’t normally do. That’s the tell-tale sign.
Let’s play a game. I’ll give you some scenarios and you think about what you would normally say or do vs. what you would say or do with the Lord’s presence.
- A car cuts you off driving and you slam on your brakes…
- Your kids are arguing and hitting each other in the back seat…
- Your husband has forgotten to take out the trash for the 98709 time…
- A co-worker is talking behind your back at work and smiling to your face…
Any of these hit a nerve? Me too. And it hurts my heart when I think of the reactions I give, compared to the responses the Lord would have for me.
My hope is that we will all fully recharge in the Lord
. That we will wait on Him and His provision. And that we will live in full freedom and strength that only He can give.
“From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety…Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” Psalm 61: 2,4
Maggie Meadows Cooper
Maggie Meadows Cooper is a wife, mother, educator, and blogger with a longing for women to grow a heart for Jesus and others. She is the author of the children’s book Bumper, helping others to see that the heart is what counts most. She blogs at The Little Moments and contributes to IBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women, Devotional Diva, and the Connecting Ministries Blog. ! She lives with her husband, three children, and two rambunctious dogs in Opelika, Alabama.
