Are We Just Going Through The Motions

There I am watching from a distance.
I’m watching myself as a stranger.
I am like one who seems aloof. Distracted.

I’ve done my list today.
The dishes have been done, bed made, laundry washed, dried and folded.
Phone calls and e-mails have been returned.
I’ve done all of the things that needed to get done this day.

I am sitting with my family at the dinner table.
My dear husband is serving me a portion of the dish he has made for us.
I look around the table.
I realize I have been watching myself all day but not fully aware. Not really present.
I am surprised at my awakening.
I ask, “Did we pray?”
The looks of surprise on the faces of my husband and daughter speak clearly.

I ask, “What is my problem, Lord? I am tuned out today”
I know part of the answer lies in the way I jumped into the day.
It’s not that I wasn’t thinking about Him nor He me.

His grace and faithfulness never leave me, yet I can surely distance myself from Him.
Perhaps you have done this, too?
The song “The Motions” by Matthew West comes into my mind.
I agree that “just Okay is not enough”.

“I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking,
‘What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?’ ”
~Matthew West

I want to be fully alive and present in the moments of this life, and the “nothingness of life” seems to sneak in like a snake, strangling my heart with subtle apathy and passionless moments. But our God is a compassionate and passionate Being. Not complacent. He is fully alive and active in the lives of His own.

The awareness and acknowledging of Him and His very real presence bring intimacy and connection. I am convinced that Jesus didn’t keep a To Do List or a Bucket List. Sometimes our long lists keep us from His right now, in this present moment, good and perfect will for us. To be in that will we must have tune our ear to the One who promises to be present with us always.

Are we turning a deaf ear to the Savior of our souls? Are we drudging through the days, checking off our lists without checking in with the One who hears our heart’s cry? If so, it’s time we wake up and smell the spiritual coffee, and take a good long drink from that steaming, hot, rich brew.

Let’s stop in our tracks, shake off our slumber and praise Him for who He is; drink Him up! Certainly He does great and mighty things for us and should be thanked accordingly.

But consider that He is a Great and Mighty God who deserves our full attention all the time and is worthy of our praise every moment of the day. Oh, praise Him that He is patient with our dullness! There is nothing wrong with having To Do Lists, Gratitude Lists, Bucket Lists, the list goes on and on.

Trust me I am a fan of lists. But the power of praising Him for who He is more than what He gives, ushers us into His Holy presence! Let’s not be just list makers or sleepwalkers going through the motions. But let’s be people who praise our Mighty God and Deliverer daily. Let’s be connected, present and available in the time called today, right now!

And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  (Romans 13:11)

10 Responses to Are We Just Going Through The Motions
  1. Deb
    November 11, 2012 | 4:26 pm

    Hi Dawn, Welcome to the team. Thanks for this great post. Great application for a great song. Blessings!!

    • Dawn
      November 11, 2012 | 5:00 pm

      Thanks, so much – I am honored to be here!

  2. Susie Klein
    November 11, 2012 | 5:55 pm

    Great post! I am thankful that we can engage with HIM instantly, the very moment we realize that we may have left HIM out of our morning or our plans for the day.
    Good thoughts here Dawn, thanks!
    http://www.recoveringchurchlady.com/

    • Dawn
      November 11, 2012 | 8:09 pm

      I am so grateful too, Susie. Thanks for the comment love!

  3. denise
    November 11, 2012 | 8:49 pm

    Fabulous post, really enjoyed this.

    • Dawn
      November 11, 2012 | 9:25 pm

      Thanks, Denise – so glad!

  4. Debbie
    November 12, 2012 | 6:30 am

    Beautiful and much needed post Dawn! I love that song by Matthew West and now I have it playing in my head. But it’s so true. I don’t want to just go through the motions and there are days when that’s easy to do. We are in relationship with the One True Living God. And why is it that we get so caught up in our lists instead of spending time with Him? I’m going offline now to spend time with Him. Be back later …

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

    • Dawn
      November 12, 2012 | 10:35 am

      Oh, Debbie- you are a blessing! Hope you enjoy your day off and a little extra time sitting at His feet. LOve- In His Grace, Dawn

  5. Nikki
    November 13, 2012 | 11:47 am

    Hello, friend! (and welcome!)

    praise Him for who He is more than what He gives…AMEN!

    He is good. all the time. And is worthy of our praise no matter what. This I believe. Hugs to you, Dawn!

    • Dawn
      November 13, 2012 | 2:55 pm

      Thanks, Nikki! ANd Yes- He is good and worthy. Glad He makes us Sisters in His grace, too!
      Hugs, back!