Encouragement For The Journey

Living Loved with Tammy Gerhard


Mindful Mondays: Time With Jesus Rooted and Radiant – Week Six: Turning: Returning When You Drift

As you settle in to meet with Jesus today, imagine the simple act of noticing where your body is facing. Perhaps toward a window, a screen, or the warmth of your coffee mug in your hands.

Turning rarely happens all at once.
More often, it happens in small moments of awareness.

Last week, we talked about learning where to look – fixing our eyes on Jesus. This week, we take the practice a step further. Because once we know where to look, we also begin to notice how often we drift.

Distraction is not failure.
It is part of being human.

Sunflowers don’t stay perfectly aligned with the sun all day. As the light shifts, they gently adjust – again and again – returning their faces toward what sustains them.

Our lives are no different.

We are pulled by worries, responsibilities, comparisons, unfinished conversations, and quiet fears that surface without warning. Turning toward Jesus is not something we do once and get right forever. It is a compassionate return, over and over, when we notice we’ve been pulled away.

Scripture reminds us that where we place our gaze matters – not because God is distant, but because He is near. The psalms speak of eyes that return to the Lord and of hearts that find steadiness there. When we drift, we are not scolded back into focus. We are invited.

Turning again is not weakness. It is relationship.

Each return is an act of trust. Each reorientation is a reminder that we are held, guided, and not alone.

This week, we practice returning- not perfectly, but faithfully.

Scripture Reading

Psalm 25:15 (NIV)
Psalm 16:8 (NIV)
This week’s Scripture reminds us that turning our eyes toward the Lord is both a practice and a promise.

Pause and Reflect

Take a moment to talk with Jesus about what you just noticed from the Word. You might want to journal your responses or just sit quietly with these questions:

  • Where do I notice my attention drifting most often right now?
  • What tends to pull my eyes, thoughts, or heart away from Jesus?
  • What would it look like for me to gently return, without judgment, today?

Soul Care Practice – Turning the Body, Noticing the Heart

Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor and your hands resting in your lap.
Take a slow breath in through your nose, and gently exhale through your mouth.

Now, notice the direction your body is facing. Without forcing anything, slowly turn your head or upper body slightly toward a source of light in the room – a window, a lamp, or even an imagined light if none is visible.

As you turn, simply notice what you’re carrying today. There is no need to name everything or fix anything. Just notice.

In the quiet of this moment, imagine placing what you’re carrying into Jesus’ hands.
Invite Him to exchange it for His peace and presence.

Sit here for a few breaths, allowing your body to experience what it feels like to turn toward Him – without words, without effort.

When you’re ready, take one final breath and gently return to stillness.

Pray With Me

Jesus,
Thank You for Your patience and nearness.
When my attention drifts, remind me that I can always return.
Teach me to turn toward You without fear or striving.
Anchor my heart in Your steady presence.
In Your precious name,
Amen.

Carry It With You

Today, notice moments when your attention wanders.
Instead of correcting yourself, gently whisper:

Jesus, I return to You.

Or, if you need steadiness:

You are at my right hand. I will not be shaken.

As you finish your coffee and this time with Jesus, remember – turning toward Him is not something you master, but a rhythm you grow into. Be patient with yourself as you practice doing it again and again.

If you’re longing for a place to reflect more deeply or connect with others who are practicing this gentle rhythm, I’ve also created a Mindful Mondays: Time With Jesus Facebook group. It’s a space to share reflections, ask questions, and encourage one another as we learn to live rooted and radiant together.

You’re warmly invited to join us HERE.
Whether you prefer to quietly read along or actively share, you’re welcome just as you are.

If you’d like to share what you noticed this week, you’re welcome to respond to this blog. I’d love to hear from you. I’ll save you a seat again next Monday as we continue learning how to turn – again and again – toward the light.

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