Grace full mama

Since I was a little girl, my mom, grandma and I had a yearly tradition. We called it a “special time.” I’m not sure how we came up with the name for it, but it is exactly what it sounds like. The three of us sequestered ourselves for a few days in a motel, we ordered in pizza, watched girlie movies, did face masks, talked about the deep things, and laughed until we cried. We brought instruments and spent time worshipping, we prayed a lot. We challenged each other and found new freedom.

Looking back on what shaped me, on my most precious memories… this trumps absolutely everything. Honestly though, it wasn’t just the formal annual holiday that was so very precious to me. My mom was incredible at making those little moments at every opportunity. We went on long walks together almost daily, talking and praying. Often if my dad was out late I would snuggle under her blankets and we would talk. I jumped at every opportunity to go for a drive with my mom, and even moreso if my grandma could also come. My mom made me feel like I was the person she most enjoyed in the whole world. It was my first taste of what intimacy with Jesus looked like. It was church, in it’s purest form and smallest scale. It is where I learned there was nothing I couldn’t say, and still receive love and wisdom. Where unconditional love was a tangible thing that I could grab onto, and use as a lifeline.

Those special times have now been happening for 28 years. There are so many things about this precious time of fellowship and prayer that have shaped the course of my entire life.

I know the importance of spending “special time” with Jesus. I don’t mean a monotonous ritual of devotionals and prayer (although that might be some people’s preference based on their own personality, and if it draws you towards HIM, power to you). I mean a time of sweet connecting. I mean pouring through his word in the monastic, lectio divina style, slowly, prayerfully, expectantly. I mean listening as well as talking, taking walks and really seeing the world he made around us. I mean worship that makes my soul feel truly connected. “Special time” that fills me up and leaves my cup overflowing.

Jesus understood the beauty of “special time.” He took many of these with the father throughout his time on earth. He spent time alone with God in the wilderness before being tempted. He spent time alone with God in states of emotional anguish, when he was worn out by his ministry, and before he chose his disciples. He also had many of these intimate times with his disciples, teaching them alone, washing their feet, and sharing special meals with them.

I just got back from a special time with four beautiful generations. My fourteen and ten year old daughters joined my mom, my grandma, and I in retreat. As we spent this special time together, I watched my girls hold their heads a little higher. I watched their attitudes dissipate. Their relationships with Jesus grew exponentially as they watched us, and felt connected with and valued. They saw the relationships with God that these women had, their legacy, and they embraced it. It was beautiful.

Just like after spending incredible time in the presence of Jesus, I find myself wanting more! I am inspired to carve time out again to intentionally connect with my maker even more! I want all those beautiful little times of closeness with my daughters, I pray with all my heart to keep watching that growth, that beauty of soul explode in them as they become women of substance.

If there is one thing I can recommend today, It’s to cultivate a lifestyle of little “special times.” Special time with Jesus, with your spouse, with your kids. This is the stuff of heaven, little glimpses at what we were truly made for!