I fell off the Swing

I have confessed to God, but I feel I must publicly confess, too. The past few weeks have been a bit chaotic around here and I fell off the swing, so to speak -- using my swing figuratively for my disciplined time with God. I knew in my mind and heart that when life got crazy, that is when I most need Him directing my days. But my body didn't listen to my mind and heart.
I got into this mode of doing instead of being. I was so focused on tasks that I put aside that very special time when I converse with my Father, my Friend, my Lord. Even in the midst of my busyness I knew what I was doing, but I daily made a conscious decision to do what my flesh wanted and not what my soul needed.
I thought I would just replace that special time with quick, on-the-go prayer. I am not opposed to talking with God anywhere, anytime. In fact, I love that I can do that - talk to Him about anything, anytime and He listens. However the past few weeks, my on-the-go prayers have been pretty superficial and very much a one-way conversation. I was not asking God questions I should have asked and was definitely not listening to anything He was trying to say.
This selfishness was reflected in many aspects of my life. I was allowing Satan's discouragements and deceptions into my mind. I was not thinking about the "whatevers" of Philippians 4. I was not very patient or kind, especially in my words to my children. My husband and I seemed to be on different pages. I began to use food to comfort my emotions. I did not take care of my body, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
In just a few short weeks, I allowed the devil to get a foothold in the cracks of my life. It is so easy to let my guard down, especially when life throws curve balls. But, I am so thankful that God did not give up on me and kept pursuing me through His Spirit and through His Body. Internally, I felt convicted and began to repent and again took special time to talk and listen to Him. Externally, as I began to share my struggles and confess my sins, my girlfriends gave me grace, loved me, encouraged me and are holding me accountable.
Thank you, Lord, for this "test" and even though I may have failed, I am grateful for what I have learned. You are loving and gracious, God. Please help me to bestow those wonderful gifts on your children, as you have given them so freely to me.