By: Wanda Fielder

     Just like every other female on the planet I would presume, I struggled in my busy day to accomplish all that I desired. We all have the same twenty-four hour days, but somehow those days just went by so quickly; and it seemed almost impossible to achieve everything that had accumulated on my mental list. Then guilt would set in, and I would try my best to rationalize how to organize my time to attain my desired goals.

     Foremost on my list, of course, was devotional and prayer time with my Creator and best friend, Jesus Christ. That just could not be omitted no matter how busy I would become. I love that time with Him, and my days always go better when I keep that commitment. However, I discovered that some days that was even shortened more than I cared to admit.

     Second on my list was physical exercise in an effort to keep a healthy body as well as a spiritually healthy mind. My favorite exercise is walking, and when weather permits I make use of the trails that are near our neighborhood. In inclement weather, I use a treadmill and try to be consistent in my endeavor.

     Another favorite pastime for me is reading. I have been an avid reader since childhood and devour any substantial reading material that I discover. It is the best way to increase knowledge, keep up with current events, and stimulate the mind. Because it is easy for me to spend a lot of time in reading, I made a commitment many years ago that I would not read any material until I had first read my Bible; therefore, my Bible reading always takes place first thing in the morning.

     With keeping a small grandchild daily, performing household chores, fulfilling the duties of a pastor’s wife, how could I possibly get all this done in a twenty-four hour period? Every day became a conundrum to work out a reasonable schedule for this accomplishment. I knew what needed to be done, but what was the best way to succeed in my endeavors?

     Then I remembered my husband’s pastor’s wife of many years ago, Sis. Dolores Lucas, and of time spent in her home. She would arise very early in the morning for her devotional time AND to do her quilting! I remember being so impressed with her faithfulness in early morning prayer but also by the fact that she combined it with her quilting.

     So that is when I decided to frequently combine my prayer time with walking on the treadmill. It felt so good to be doing something healthy for my physical and spiritual well being at the same time. The ledge on my treadmill holds my many prayer lists and is always right where I need it. The Prayer of Jabez is there also as a constant reminder of this faithful man’s fulfilled prayer requests. This is not to diminish the need for time alone with God, but it certainly is a great way to start the day.