I learned to tie a man’s tie in eighth grade. My dad patiently showed me as I prepared for a role in a play. It all started when I wrote an essay about the main character in a book for a contest. I won and the reward was playing the lead in the play based on that book. The tie that binds my role from that day long ago with my current life path is the same one that connects all of us – God.
As with any new experience, anxiety prevailed as I spent hours preparing, memorizing and praying that I did not stumble over my lines plus pull off playing a man. Even my idle time centered around the play and learning my lines.
I have not worn a tie since that day, but the symbolism of that memory sticks with me. It all came flooding back as I read Proverbs 3:3 in my quiet time recently.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3
The hours I spent memorizing lines for a play are similar to the time we should spend reading God’s Word. Eating and breathing my character for days straight would make God giddy with delight if we gifted Him with the same time. I began to question the focus I possess in my own quiet time. Do I intentionally turn to the Word when facing the hard and good times in my life? What would my time with God look like if in the quiet the first words in my heart were “Thank you God for your goodness”?
My days always look brighter when I begin with God. I feel centered when I invite God to join me in my quiet time. A sense of strength pervades my being when God’s Word is in my heart and around my neck. When I read God’s Word during a season of brokenness, I find comfort. The same Scripture helps me find words to sing God’s praise. His thoughts become my thoughts the more His truth dwells inside me.
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Wearing a tie so many years ago symbolized an opportunity to not only play a role, but also speak truth into myself that I was chosen, worthy and enough in this role. I can now choose the same truth when I tie God’s love and faithfulness around my neck. Today the tie that binds me is choosing God to walk with me everyday. It is knowing that when I write God’s truth and promises on the tablet of my heart I am connected with Him. God’s promise of love and faithfulness is forever.
How will you choose God’s faithfulness and love daily? What will it take to make that happen?
Blessings of grace along the way!
I love this verse and message, Mary. It reminds me to keep praying that God will give me more of a desire to search His Word. Sometimes it doesn’t always feel right to just read it out of routine, kind of like a check-off on a to-do list. You know? I long to as you say – to eat and breathe it. To automatically turn to God and His Word. To pant after it. Thank you for this encouragement. It’s a great start to my week. 🙂 I also love that your dad was such a patient, kind, and loving father to you. Your heart must ache for him yet sometimes. Have a blessed Thanksgiving! Hugs!
Thank you Trudy! I love when I re-discover verses that fit my life at the exact time it is needed. That can only be God. I pray that we all seek God throughout our days knowing that He is our Center and hope.
My dad was a beautiful gift in my life. I miss him very much but also have this peace in knowing how well he shared his legacy with my brothers and I. Blessings friend!
My quiet time in the morning with God has been invaded with other ‘to do’s’. But the interesting thing is I am more behind and less motivated than I ever have been! I think I have my priorities slipping upside down. God bless you Mary! Have a wonderful week!
I am praying for you Lynn as you find your rhythm again. I have experienced seasons that I feel out of sync in general and that carries over to my prayer time with God. May God continue to lead you and show you the way back to Him. Thanksgiving blessings!
I so resonate with your words here, Mary. I want to really immerse myself in God’s word each day–not just by reading it, but by thinking about it, relying on it and applying it. Thanks for reminding us of this important priority and sacred choice.
I seem to have hit a chord with everyone here today. I am writing what God is teaching me and this is one lesson that I have not mastered and in fact seem to need help with often. I am praying with all of you tonight that we may seek God first, lean in, listen well, read His word and share His truth. Blessings on this Sunday evening!
Mary,
Reading your post, reminds me of a story about a Christian who was imprisoned in a foreign country and was not allowed any books, let alone a Bible and called upon his memory of Scripture to get him through the years of incarceration. I often wonder how I would do if I had to rely upon my memory (or memorization) of scripture? How would I fare?? Your post challenges me to continue to seek to be in God’s Word and committing scripture to memory.
Blessings,
Bev
I love how God is challenging all of us through this post and in other ways to turn to Scripture. That is where we find His truth and promises. If I had to rely on my memory for God’s Word, I’m afraid I wouldn’t do well at all. Blessings as we seek ways to give thanks and learn to seek God first.
Thanks for the gentle reminder to start the day off with the Lover of our souls, Mary. I’ve had to work on this repeatedly over the years, and blogging hasn’t helped me stay faithful to this ideal.
Yet, God is gracious and time and again He’s showed me how much more satisfying He is than all the blog interaction in the world.
Thanksgiving blessings to you, friend. My, do we have much to be grateful for …
The reminder was for me just as much as for all of you. You are right in saying that the blogging world does not help us to dig deeper in our quiet time. Many times the opposite is true.
God is infinitely patient and gracious and loves when we invite Him back into our hearts. I can just imagine the look on His face when we do. Such joy!
Thank you for your post about s’mores (which I love) and remembering what is truly important as the holidays approach. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Hi Mary! I never thought of a tie being connected to the ‘tie that binds’, that’s a great thought. Outward signs always help me with recognizing inner ones, and that’s what ties seem to do for you too.
Isn’t it something how old memories pop up and have new lessons to teach and stories to tell? I just love that.
Hope you’re having a peaceful Sunday,
Ceil
I never thought of the visible action of tying a tie either but God laid it on my heart as I was reading this verse. I also had stuffed that memory from eighth grade so far away I’m surprised it popped back up.
God knows that I learn best with the ordinary and concrete. This lesson is one that I will remember always because it is so tangible. Thank you for stopping by. Happy Sunday!
When I look at the dedication of people of other faiths, athletes, even the time I give to certain aspects of life, I’m ashamed. God deserves far more than the snippets He receives from me. He deserves my everything. I want to give God more of me, more of my life. Thank you, sweet friend, for encouraging me in this, this week.
I am joining you in not only desiring more time with God but working hard to make it happen. I pray we both seek God first as we begin our day and thank Him for the many gifts He has given us. May your Thanksgiving be blessed.
Is anyone else dying to know the name of the book and the character you played???
Aside from that slight obsession, Mary, I am blessed every time you mention your dad. Are you aware of the tenderness that comes out in your voice whenever he “walks into the room” of your writing?
And your message about the every-day-ness of this following life is landing on my ears with power, today, and helping me with some soul-searching that’s been long overdue.
Thank you and Happy Sunday.
I should have known that you would want to know the name of the book. It is called “Mr. Blue”. I thought it was by G.K. Chesterton but as I was looking into it today, it seems that it is by Myles Connelly based on one of Chesterton’s other works.
Your sweet words about my dad brought tears to my eyes because I love knowing that others recognize the love that I had for my dad. I will always be working on seeking God first in my everyday. I am not consistent enough but desire to be. Happy Sunday to you too. have a blessed week!
Great post Mary. The more time I spend with Him, the more time I want to spend with Him. Great way to start any day, no matter what the circumstances.
Thank you Karen! I love that when we desire to dig deeper with God we find we can’t live without Him. Blessed by you being here today! Happy Thanksgiving friend!
Cool post, Mary!
I guess I choose it through trying to do the best I can at the small tasks I can still accomplish. I figure that either everything’s important, or nothing is…and I choose to believe the former.
You are a fighter. You choose life and God everyday and I love your heart for this. Praying you have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Being in theater, I loved this post. I always worried way too much about everything but it was such a joy to be on that stage.
Thank you Tara. I didn’t know you loved theater and have been involved in it. We spend too much time worrying instead of letting it go and focusing on God. I hope you have a blessed week!