“Get dressed and pack a bag. I have a surprise for you!”
My husband, Kyle, said these words to me on the morning of my birthday and I immediately felt anticipation building in my stomach. Where are we going? What does he have up his sleeve?
Kyle hopped in the driver’s seat of his black truck while I rode shotgun to his right. I started to silently guess where he might be taking me as I looked out the window, knowing deep down he’d never reveal his surprise early. We took a right turn then a left, and pulled into the driveway of a hotel. “Surprise! We’re staying the night downtown. Plus, I have dinner plans for us at 6:30!”
What?!
My surprise birthday celebration was a blast, but my favorite part of our evening was hearing what Kyle expressed to me after dinner. He said, “I wanted to spend time with just you tonight. I’m really happy it’s just us.” I felt desired when he said those words. He wanted intentional time with me, but I felt the Holy Spirit teach me a lesson in that moment as well.
Jesus craves intentional time with us.
1 John 4:10 (NIV) says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
Jesus’ love for us isn’t dormant. It’s alive and ready to fill our hearts with lasting love, peace, and joy. When we get tangled up in chasing our earthly desires, we forget we are eternally desired. But that doesn’t stop God. Just because we take our eyes off of Him, doesn’t mean He takes His eyes off of us.
He captures our attention through eye-catching sunsets, kind words from friends, and unexpected blessings at the perfect time. You are deeply loved by a never-changing, perfect Heavenly Father!
When will you spend intentional time with Him this week?
Love y'all!