There is something about "September" Do you feel the rhythm changing? The return to routines that are more managed? More pre-determined than summer's spontaneity?

As you begin to enter all of the dates and reminders for September through December into your calendar, how about making a date with God? It is a practice that has become precious to me... much more than something "good" to do. It is critical to my peace of mind and to my ability to balance the shoulds and coulds of life's options with the gifts (and sacrifices) of living with my ear inclined to God's call.

As I look at my projected calendar for autumn, I see dwindling spans of undesignated time. I realize that I must set dates right now for time with the Lord who is my rock, my dearest companion and my savior.

I will block out time NOW that will be protected as open and available time for God. This is time in addition to Sunday (or Saturday) worship. In those slots there will be nothing – ABSOLUTELY NOTHING – scheduled. No meetings, no classes, no appointments or programs. When that block of time approaches, I trust that I will be led to what that date with God will entail. Sometimes the protected hour remains free, and I can bask in lingering prayer and contemplation. At other times, at the moment the hour begins, I find myself called to be active or engaged with someone, some place, or some situation where I am to serve another. I realize that I have no way to foresee this far in advance what may be given to me or called from me at 6:30 on October 9, for example…. it may well be commandeered into service of some sort… but at least until 6:29 I will hold it open and free.

It takes discipline to block the time out and pledge to safeguard it against scheduling some self-determined event, be it task or pleasure. All I know is that the time is set aside now for a date with God for God to use according to God’s plan and call for that time.

I invite you to plan ahead now for unplanned time. See what happens as that time approaches as you take a breath, sit before the Lord, and discover how and with whom you are to experience the time.