I found the exercise of meditation to be the murkiest discipline to exercise yet.  In part, that's because I already practice it more than any other, almost out of proportion perhaps. Because of this, trying to practice it in other ways than I am used to felt unnatural. I always find strength when I wander away from civilization to spend time thinking about life and God, or simply am still and soak in nature, even if for a few minutes.

However, I purposed on reading this chapter to try something different. Instead of being dependent on a nature experience, I tried to find a quiet place inside to focus and listen to God. I nearly predicted the results. The first time I sat down to meditate I fell asleep, and the next time, my mind was unfocused. Even though I was attempting to spend 30 min dwelling on God and how He has worked in my life, I kept wanting to bring other disciplines into that time such as reading the Bible and praying. Without bringing those disciplines in, I veered to think about everyday things. That's when I realized that meditation isn't an exclusive discipline but an overarching one.  Our book seems to describe it as standing alone,  but from my limited experience, I think that meditation is merely a term that describes the time we spend with God. Today we call it devotions, but it incorporates not just stillness of mind, but dwelling on Scriptures and talking to God. It's not enough to just clear our minds, yoga-style. It's important that we fill our minds up with the Word of God and prayer.

Everyone has a unique way of approaching meditation. This week served to confirm what I knew already: I'm a nature girl, and my best quality "God time" is spend out of doors. Since I know what works for me, I need to set aside time to actually sneak out of doors and meditate. The challenge for me is just setting aside the time. I didn't this week, in part because most of my week involved going on Kuyper's worship tour. Though we worshipped sweetly and plentifully,  it was hard to set aside quiet time. Corporate worship cannot make up for private meditation.

I have nothing to offer as I write this. No profound meditation experience occurred, because I just didn't set aside the time. And I'm feeling the results. I'm less focused, more tired, and a little down. When I spend time in meditation, I am filled up for the day. Ordinary tasks are easier and more focused when I have already consecrated part of my day wholly to God. Here's to making a point of meditating regularly!