Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Ask Pastor Emily any day of the week how she is doing. Her answer?
"Busy!"
And, she truly is. I've never know anyone more energetic, enthusiastic about, and committed to her calling in life. If there's a pot to stir for the better, you can bet Emily's spoon is in it!
Hers is a busyness born of goals set, intentions focused, and promises kept. While it might appear as though Emily is juggling too many balls at once, in reality, her life is one of carefully balanced priorities.
How many of us can say that?
While keeping busy may suggest a life full of meaning and purpose, are we simply fooling ourselves?
Are we too busy to sit down, take a deep breath, and reflect upon the imbalances in our lives?
Have you recently told someone, your spouse, a co-worker, your child, "I'd love to, but I just don't have the time"?
During this contemplative season of Lent, do yourself, your family, and your friends, a big favor.
Analyze your busyness.
Rethink your priorities.
Set reasonable goals.
Seek balance.
Remembering all the while the busy, busy life of Jesus.
Jam-packed with healings and teachings and feedings and traveling.
And, raising from the dead.
Yet, He always took time, made time, to converse with His Father in heaven.
To pray . . .
That His busyness was to ever be about the business of God.
~
What are you missing in your busy life?
Will you pray with me?
Help us, Father, to take the time to look at our busy lives and see where we are out of balance, unfocused, or neglectful of others. Lead us to a place where we can find peace and serenity in all of life's demands. May we never be too busy to pray. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 119:49-72 or 49 (53)
Genesis 17:25-36
1 Corinthians 2:1-13
Mark 1:29-45
Points to ponder and implement...Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Janaki, for stopping by today! Glad you weren't too busy to take time out for reading this post. :)
DeleteBlessings to you!
What I am missing in my life & it's not due to being busy..is family and old friends, its due to moving all around the world every 3 years. Wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by today, RoseAnn.
DeleteI can't imagine what it would be like to have to pull up roots every three years. I know you miss family and friends . . .
Glad you enjoyed today's post.
Blessings!
I found out that in spending more time with my little nieces at night and the weekends, I had lesser time to read and do other things... I wish we have more than 24 hours to do everything but then my SD says let prayer be number one. Otherwise, I'll keep pushing it to the last moment until there's no more time left to do it.
ReplyDeleteI pray with you and take time to be the One we love.
Great to see you here, Melissa, as always!
DeleteWhen my children were growing up and I was working outside the home, I found myself constantly wishing, too, that there were more hours in the day. Setting priorities for me was key to living meaningfully.
And, yes, prayer should be number one!
Thanks for praying with me today.
Blessings!
Just what I needed to hear today, Martha. You never cease to amaze me with your reflections. ♥
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Corinne! I'm so glad this met you where you are right now. In writing this, it was a reminder to me, too. To slow down and get my ducks in a row! :)
DeleteBlessings to you!
I feel like you made this post for me, Martha. I used to believe that staying "busy," which for me meant always doing something, would lead me to a fulfilling life. Resting used to make me feel really guilty. Back in med school, I was skimming through my books even when I was on vacation. Crazy, really. And definitely not a balanced life.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this, for telling me that it's okay to rest. And of course, amidst all the busyness, God should still be the priority. :-)
Irene, I have been where you were, too. God's revelation to me to slow down, to look at my priorities, and His call, changed everything. Not overnight, mind you, but little by little.
DeleteIt is okay to rest. It is okay to take time. It is always the right thing to give God the glory first!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Blessings!
I do get consumed by the hustle of everyday life and quite often forget to pray 'formally'. Mine is more of an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day. Thank you for writing something I needed to hear :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I love the idea of the "ongoing" conversation! I admit, that is much more how I pray to Him daily. And, when I read scripture for these devotions, pray that I hear from Him what he wants me to write.
DeleteI'm so glad this post was one that touched you!
Thanks for stopping in!
Blessings!