Umpteenth Time

I know by now we have all been pondering several things for the umpteenth time regarding the state of our mind, world, finances, health, and being altogether. For some I must explain that umpteenth is a real word. Allow me to give you the meaning as explained by dictionary reference, Umpteenth – emphasizes that something has happened on many other occasions.

As a child I may have asked millions of questions umpteen times of my parents. As a student, I inquired of ways to get extra credit because I knew I had not properly handled my end of “making the grade”. As a young adult I asked creditors to give me things I knew I likely did not need at that time. As a bachelorette, (years ago) I asked if I could have what I should not have wanted? As the grown-up, today, I have asked God for the umpteenth time WHEN, WHERE, WHY, HOW, and WHAT? Can I get an Amen?

Lord, I have attempted to be obedient in this and that! Lord, I have given praise and thanks for the countless things You do repeatedly without fail! Lord, I have recently even been kind to my neighbor, #Literally. Lord, I have prayed umpteen times for all situations because of uncertainty on every hand. Yet, for the umpteenth time I have failed to sit still and truly hear what is being said back!!! I know I am not alone on this imperative He has given to all of us time after time again. Yes, we do the model and most suggestive things yet do we take the initiative to do the ultimate sacrifice. I am not talking burning bushes, rods and snakes, or even picking up the cross. I am talking about the simple sacrifice, giving Him your heart, your ear, and your time.

When I saw the word Umpteenth this week, I laughed hard because I thought I have NEVER seen this on paper just heard it used over and over by an authoritative figure. God has ultimate authority! I/We have been stuck in the house for what feels like an eternity and finally I accepted that I have not completely done my due diligence. Yes, I have read the Word a bunch, hmmm studied a little, prayed abundantly, and even prepared sermons yet I know I have slacked and trust me it feels horrible. For the umpteenth time, I have not yielded to His work or His tone in order to receive proper instructions. Why share such an intimate detail about me because others are dealing with similar and need to know you are not alone. The best thing about God we still have a chance to get it right if you made “The List” on today.

Stop complaining, stop giving conspiracy theories, stop with the worldly matters, and get back to the basics. Where is your Word? What have you truly hidden in your heart? What has the Lord said to you during this time of busy stillness? What will you give? I stopped listening to press conferences 10 days ago. I simply share them to my social media and later during the evening I take them down. I do not want the memory of false info when social media reminds me a year from now. I want the Word that has remained the same down through the years! He gave us so many resources, talents, gifts, and we are still too busy even during an eventful calm to do what has been instructed. Share the real Word! Meditate on it day and night! Think back to the umpteen times your parents told you to GO TO YOUR ROOM AND STUDY!

For the umpteenth time turn back to God and get the essentials! After all we are essential to Him!