It's been said, "It's the space between the notes that makes the music." Without the quiet space, the beauty of the music couldn't be heard. And, it's the time of quiet reflection between life's activities that revels the truth. In order to gain clarity of purpose and direction in your life, you must slow down enough to receive it.

I know how difficult it can be for people (particularly men) to stop and ask directions when driving somewhere. As the joke goes, why are there 100 million sperm to fertilize one egg? Answer: because not one of those little guys would stop to ask for directions. However, there hopefully comes a point in one's life where you are able to set the ego aside, stop driving a million miles an hour in every direction, and consider the value of getting clarity on where you are going.

Imagine you're driving along a road and someone says something to you as you zoom by. Would you even notice? Probably not. Of course, if you crashed and that individual came up to your car and spoke to you, you would probably notice now, wouldn't you? And so is life.

We are zooming around non-stop. Our egos are chattering away loudly in our head. We're too busy to take a moment for some quiet time. There is a small, still voice attempting to guide you, inform you and inspire you. Do you hear it? Can you make some time to listen or will you only make that time after you have 'crashed' in life?

Believe me, I understand running fast and hard without time to stop. Even knowing the importance of slowing down and having some quiet time didn't seem to make a difference. For me, I had to come to a crash in life in order for my quiet time to begin. Can you relate?

Here is a great related principle from an old story of a woodcutter:
 
Once upon a time there was a very strong woodcutter who was determined to do his best on a new job. His boss gave him an axe and showed him where to work.

The first day, the woodcutter brought in 18 trees. "Congratulations," the boss said. "That is excellent work!" Very motivated by the boss' words, the woodcutter put in even a greater effort the next day, but he could only bring in 15 trees. On the third day, he tried even harder, but he could only bring in 10 trees.

Day after day he was bringing in less and less trees. "I must be losing my strength", the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on.

"When was the last time you sharpened your axe?" the boss asked."Sharpen? I haven't had time to sharpen my axe. I've been too busy trying to cut down these trees!"

The question is will you make sharpening your axe part of your daily routine? Please don't say you are too busy chopping down the trees of life. There comes a point when we must all recognize that it really makes more sense to take the time to sharpen ourselves rather than grinding down to a totally ineffective state. Abraham Lincoln understood this principle as he said, "If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe!"

Through quiet time you can experience both restoration and revelation. The result is transforming. Not only will restoration allow you to sharpen your axe and bring it back to the fresh sharpness that it once was, but through revelation you can become sharper than ever before.

Restoration is the renewing of one's self. The Bible refers to renewing your mind when it says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,...(Romans 12:2). Conforming to the world often leads one to "lose their mind" not "renew" it. Remember, be transformed by the renewal of your mind, not the removal of it.

Restoration isn't about being idle. It is about activities that renew your mind, heart and soul. Restoration occurs differently for everyone. President Ronald Reagan would fly to his Santa Barbara, CA ranch, ride horses, clear trails and chop wood. Think about it, the leader of the free world, while battling the Cold War and orchestrating the duties of being President, would break and chop wood. Similarly, Winston Churchill amidst a raging world war would sit quietly for hours and paint landscapes. President Abraham Lincoln would read humor books.

People who achieve great heights understand the importance of restoration.  Whether it is hiking, gardening, or some other activity, it is important to discover and regularly perform that which gives you restoration.

Personally, I enjoy running in the mountains. That may seem odd, but for me it is relaxing and renewing. The photo to the left along with this article's first photo and even this blog's header sunrise photo were all taken during some of my recent very renewing runs.

Revelation is the revealing or disclosing of God's will for your life along with other forms of wisdom and understanding. In order for revelation to occur, take time to praise God for your blessings, and ask for wisdom, guidance and inspiration. Then, remember to listen.

Meditate on what is important to you. Remember, mediation simply means to give serious thought to something. Worry is a form of mediation. Perhaps, you have some experience? When you meditate, you are thinking of a thought over and over and from every angle. Perhaps, it is time to meditate on what you want instead of what you don't want. Perhaps, it is time to mediate on what your Creator desires and for which He has uniquely designed you.

Make quiet time a priority. Determine when, where and how you will work it into your daily routine. Then, enjoy your transformation!