1. If you were to take this exhortation with all seriousness, "to be spiritually healthy, you must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life," what is one thing you would need to change in your live so you could slow down?
I would have to choose not to do so much stuff. I would have to pick the things that have to be done. I would have to choose things that need to be done for my mental health. And get rid of all else. I have known of a few people who have sat down and made a list of everything they do and then whittled it down to a much smaller list. And the problem is … there are more things I would like to be doing. And I seriously wonder if the job is something that should be gotten rid of.
2. John writes, "Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. Hurry can destroy our souls. Hurry can keep us from living well." How have you experienced the destructive power of hurry in your life?
Obviously, I spend so much time hurrying that I’m missing some turn aside and see God opportunities. On October 23, I picked up my Devotional and realized that I had already read that date. I remembered that I no longer had to follow it. I had chosen a new course of action. I picked up my new Lutheran Study Bible with my name engraved on the cover and began to read. I believe I’ve read it two days in a week’s time. Not good. In fact, I’m no longer reading in the mornings. I’m hurrying up to write so that I have it out of the way for later. I don’t know whether this is good or not. I am no longer certain if this is a worthy endeavor. Then I’m hurrying to get this written so I can post. If I can get that done, I can go write something else that I’ve yet to get to. Maybe that other thing is more important. Maybe I should be spending this approximate half hour praying instead. I sure wish someone would sit down with me and ruthlessly attack this list of things I need/want to do …
3. How can busyness cause us to settle for mediocrity in our faith rather than a deep experience of God's presence and power?
I’m having an easier time sitting here talking to YOU than I am talking to God. I think I was just given an answer … WOW! I needed that. I need to stop writing to YOU and start writing to GOD. If I cannot think it or say it to God, but I can write it … An open prayer …
God, what busyness can I eliminate to spend better quality time with you? Yesterday, I took the challenge of this book that you have seen fit to place in my hands at this time. I sat down to eat my lunch at home. I was joined by the cat that provided warmth and calm. I let myself read my book to its conclusion. I did not watch the clock. I was not anxious. I did not let my mind wonder to where I should be or what I should be doing. It was so peaceful. And I enjoyed 45 minutes of uninterrupted reading time. Thank you. Teach me to do it again this morning. Teach me to take the time to do nothing and not feel horrible about it. Be in everything I do and not just in my childish attempts to be with you, but in my everyday life whether its washing dishes or driving to work.
How have you experienced this reality in your life during times of intense busyness?
God, I’ve become so busy in your church that I’m missing You in the very place where we claim you to be. I’m no longer coming to visit you there. I need to start finding You in other places. Even now, I’m hurrying to finish this conversation with you so that I can begin my day. I’m so run by the clock. Everything I do is down to the hour and half hour and second. Time is made by man. Give me You instead. Show me what I can eliminate. Show me what can function without me – for the right reasons and not for selfish reasons. Help me take my life back for You. I know what I can do to please You. Be present. Provide me the opportunity and inspiration. Help me to lose myself in You in this way. Show me how. And take my clocks away. And if I’m meant to sit at this computer and write, let my computer work for me rather than against me. Amen.
For the record – my computer just froze. Am I not supposed to write? Was that just acknowledgement that I needed to stop and wake my girls up? We’ll see how today goes …
“And when you search for Me with all your heart, you will find Me,” declares the Lord. “I will let you find Me.”
Jeremiah 29:13-14
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