RUN-STOP-PECK

 I saw a sandpiper on the beach today and was intrigued by how quickly their little legs moved along the shore. I watched and laughed at how speedy they are, running up and down the beach.

My curiosity led me to do a little research about these birds. What I found is that sandpipers are known for their “run-stop-peck” move. They are efficient in how they move and eat.

That discovery got me thinking about my faith.

I’m currently doing a 40-day sugar fast, which is all about ridding yourself of dependency and distraction, specifically sugar, in daily life. It’s been challenging, to say the least. Since I’m fasting, I’m constantly thinking about food, how hungry I am, and what I wish I could eat. I’ve started to catch myself every time I think, “I really want ___,” and intentionally replace that thought with, “I want more of You, Jesus.”

This season of slowing down and carefully considering what I’m putting into my body, but not just my body, my mind and soul too, has begun to shift my perspective.

Am I like a sandpiper?

Am I running at a fast pace, slowing down just long enough to grab what I need from the Lord, pecking at bits of Him before moving on to the next thing?

I don’t want to be an efficient consumer of God’s Word. I don’t want to run-stop-peck when there is so much more to feast on.

I don’t want to be constantly on the go, quickly and efficiently moving through His presence. I want to go beyond the shore. It can feel like a daunting prayer to pray, “Lord, take me deeper. Where I’ve never been. I want more of You.” But this truly is the cry of my heart.

I don’t want to stay on the shoreline, running to and fro, only pecking at what’s necessary.

Instead, I want to feast on His Word. I want to be nourished, filled, and changed by it.

“When Your words came, I ate them;

they were my joy and my heart’s delight,

for I bear Your name, Lord God Almighty.”

Jeremiah 15:16