Make Time for What Matters
- Amara Russell
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 7
We schedule everything—meetings, errands, appointments—but how often do we schedule a pause for our spirit? Recently, I took time off—not for a vacation or to catch up on tasks—but to simply be with God. A moment for self-care and spiritual renewal.
It was one of the most intentional things I’ve done in a long while.
The First Day: Silence Over Schedule
On the first day, I gave myself full permission to do absolutely nothing..
No routine.
No agenda.
No emails.
No workouts.
No Social Media.
No calls.
Just me. And God.
I stayed in bed a little longer than usual and got up when my body was ready. I sipped warm lemon water, I was slow to make breakfast, and I let my soul breathe. I prayed. I journaled. I listened to worship music and read my Bible. I let the Holy Spirit fill the silence. And in that stillness, I felt peace brush gently over me.
The Second Day: From Distraction to Divine Encounter
The next day felt different. I returned to my “nosey chair” by the window—my cozy front-row seat to the neighborhood happenings. But that morning, instead of watching the world, I turned inward.
With my journal, Bible, and lemon water in hand, I began again. Praying. Worshipping. Waiting.
That’s when I received two text messages and a phone call. Not distractions—divine interruptions. They arrived right on time, prompting me to press in, not pull away. They stirred something deeper inside of me, reminding me of the power of surrender.
I whispered...
“Not today, God gets the victory!”
Before I knew it, I was on the floor in tears. Crying out. Releasing. Receiving. I felt the Holy Spirit cover me. Peace didn’t just come—it consumed me.
The Shift: Clarity and Conviction
Later that day, I was moved to work out and clean my home. That’s when I heard it clearly:
Make time for what matters.
It hit me. Hard.
How often do I waste time in thought, procrastination, or people-pleasing “ugh.” Too often. But when we pause—truly pause—we create room for divine alignment.
The Takeaway: Rest, Refocus, and Reset
When you make time for what matters, especially time with God, you reset more than your schedule—you reset your spirit. You find joy in small things. You rediscover peace in silence. You declutter your mind and align your steps.
Let this be your reminder:
Seek His Face.
Rest your mind/body.
Change the routine.
Rewrite the vision
Clean house.
Self-reflect.
Be still.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
“In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:6
You don’t need a special occasion to pause. You need a willing heart.
Make time for what matters. Your soul will thank you.
Amara L. Russell M.FA. Creative Writing B.F.A. Public Relations
Rare Books & Publishing
Email: Info@rare-publishing.com
Amara, this is beautiful and important in this challenging, demanding western culture. We are creatures of achievement and goal setting. The result is stress and anxiety. It never ends unless you end it. Thank you for reminding us to slow down and sit down.💝