I admit there are days when I have a slower gait, slower mind set and am seemingly in no hurry at all to get things done. But I really don’t get much done on those days. That wasn’t case for Jesus. He always accomplished so much—at least it seems so.
them off. But am I really accomplishing anything….important, or am I just being ‘busy’? Would it matter at all if those things on my list waited for another day, week or never get done at all? Who would even care?
Depending on the ‘thing’ I would eventually care, because I like things neat and tidy. But I wonder…do I get so preoccupied with getting my ‘list’ done, that I hurry through my early morning devotional and time spent with God, ------just so I can have the satisfaction of crossing my 'to-dos' off my list? If this is true, my priorities are totally off!
I’ve been reading about how Jesus never rushed! ….Never in a hurry. Even when he knew Lazarus was sick, he didn’t hurry to help him. But he did have a plan. Mary and Martha were hard pressed to imagine why Jesus, in their perspective, came too late to heal Lazarus, since he had already died. Jesus’ plan of resurrecting Lazarus was way better than just healing him. The impact of that miracle resonates with us even today!
But God calls us to rest, because we are human and need rest. Even He, on the seventh day after all the creating he did, six days before, took a day of rest. What’s interesting is the idea of spending time with Him when we rest. Even if it’s just going out and enjoying a walk in his creation! I’m a quilter, and one of my favorite times for prayer is when I’m quilting. It’s often quiet and a wonderful time to ponder thoughts and relax in the ‘presence of the Lord.’
As mentioned, I have a hard time s.t.o.p.p.i.n.g —just taking time to rest! Once when I sit, I feel guilty because there are still too many things left on my list to do! Perhaps the place to start is to make a smaller list! Some have suggested to choose three things — only three of the most important things that need doing in any given day and do just those.
I’ve found, honestly when I do that, I’m a much happier (and less tired) person! When I can finish the ‘work’ on my list by 2 or 3 o’clock in the afternoon, and then just enjoy myself for the rest of the day, it’s delightful! I can actually sit down and read a book, study if I choose to, paint a picture, play music, write a letter, call a friend, and on and on.
I understand not everyone can finish their day’s work by mid afternoon. But the idea is to deliberately set aside time to just be! Do something that is relaxing and pleasant to recharge your tired mind, body and soul. Now that’s a great gift!
Photo Credit: Stopping For Rest
Photo Credit: Living Life Slow
Photo Credit: Enjoying Life Slowly
No comments:
Post a Comment