In our crazy world, we react more than we reflect. This leads to a feeling of being out of control. That's why reflection time must be planned out. If you are a normal American, you are constantly bombarded by media noise and entertainment opportunities from sun-up to sundown. How in the world are we ever supposed to hear ourselves think? If you find yourself feeling perpetually

harried and harassed, you know what I'm talking about.

Yesterday was a hectic day for me - nine appointments plus the usual deluge of emails that I stayed up till past 1:00 a.m. answering. I made a sarcastic remark to Karen on the way home last night. As I reflect this morning, the thought comes to me, "You should apologize to her." Another thought comes quickly on its heels, "Why stir the pot? She's probably forgotten or brushed it off."

Reflection is actually a form of prayer. The Holy Spirit was ready and waiting for me this morning as I woke up, bleary-eyed. All He needed was for me to stop the buzz of activity so He could speak to me.

This journaling I do helps me sort through these conflicting thoughts and discern not only which ones are the Spirit, but what I'm going to do about them.

You may say, "Duh, just go apologize to your wife." But without setting aside this time, conviction would not crystallize and I wouldn't take action. My hectic day would sweep it all under the rug.

Normally I need about an hour of quiet to pray out my response and to do it right. I didn't get that this morning, but did make the apology. Yeah, she'd forgotten about it, but it was the right thing to do.