Writing on Tablets
I was sitting at my computer trying to accomplish some writing goals. I read the same paragraph I had just written several times, not because it needed to be edited that many times, but because every time I would almost complete reading it, one of my children would come into the room. One needed a snack. The other wanted me to read a book. They both wanted a turn on the computer.
When they weren’t interrupting, the phone or the doorbell was ringing. Let’s just say the telemarketer on the other end of the line didn’t stand a chance, and the neighborhood kids were sent home quickly. The constant interruptions were so distracting I couldn’t collect my thoughts to write the next paragraph.
I admit my first reaction was not a pleasant one. I was irritated because I needed some valuable writing time. As I was shooing my children from the room and hanging up on the unwanted caller, I noticed the plaque that hangs over the doorpost of my office. It lists the Fruit of the Spirit.
I instantly felt a sense of conviction. Seeing the scripture over my doorpost reminded me of Deuteronomy 6:6-9. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
The scripture was there on my doorpost, but I wasn’t living it. I wasn’t reflecting it to my children, or to the caller or to the neighborhood kids. I was so busy trying to get some valuable writing time, I forgot about another type of valuable writing… writing God’s love on the tablets of their hearts.
Proverbs 3:3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Lord, may I never get so busy with my own goals that I forget to share your love with others. Help me to live out your commands and to demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control at all times. Amen.
