Thursday, October 07, 2004
If I could put time in a bottle...
Not only is the familiar Jim Croche line from the 70's the song Judy and I started our marriage out with at our wedding, but it also has been a desire of mine ever since.
Sometimes, I find my time unmanagable. I notice this when I find it difficult to find a single hour to squeeze in for something really important. Sixty minutes isn't much to ask for but at times seems illusive.
I have spent a lot of time trying to manage time. I have concluded that busyness is a sin that I might be prone to.
It probably is rooted in the desire to think of myself as busy or productive and might reflect a lack of grace in my life when it comes to sorting out "Do" vs. "Done". (Do being what I do for God and done being what He has already accomplished for me.
I think I feel it more than ever - busyness. I remember fondly when I used to sit on the front porch on my home growing up in Tennesssee and enjoy the swing many evenings after dinner - with my family or friends. Where did that day go.
Life in S. California seems characterized by anxiety, stress, fast lanes, performance based activity. I feel like Martha in light of Jesus - focusing on the tasks at hand and missing the need to sit at the feet of Jesus.
I am not lazy. But I might be missing what God has for me often in my busyness. Laziness and busyness are equal if opposite dangers on the same continuium.
Add to the the fact that somehow inside I keep thinking of the phrase if you want something done, give it to someone who is busy and it frightens me. The workplace rewards this type of mindset and even expects it from those that want to climb the ladder.
Still it is true, busyness is no more close to godliness than cleanliness - regardless of how often repeated or perceived. Going mach speed is not spiritual, but can be addictive.
We are all given the same amount of time from God per week; we all have our one and only life to contend with and hopefully give as a gift to back to God. I'ts not there is not enough time, just too many commitments. Somehow intuitively, I know that there is always time for His will. If I have a time issue, is it because I'm trying to do something I'm not called to? Is it that there are more functions than I'm meant to participate in? Ah... too many choices?
God worked six days and then rested. He is God. Am I stronger than He? The concept of work and play, labor and leisure, originated from a God who knew we'd need it. It was so important He included it in his Big Ten (commandments).
I realize as I write this that I know the principle - just don't tap God's power to live it. Thus my prayer, help me be a Mary some of the time. God give me daily grace to do what YOU have called me to do. Break the back of this busyness addiction. And I'll reprioritize - if I can find the time....
Not only is the familiar Jim Croche line from the 70's the song Judy and I started our marriage out with at our wedding, but it also has been a desire of mine ever since.
Sometimes, I find my time unmanagable. I notice this when I find it difficult to find a single hour to squeeze in for something really important. Sixty minutes isn't much to ask for but at times seems illusive.
I have spent a lot of time trying to manage time. I have concluded that busyness is a sin that I might be prone to.
It probably is rooted in the desire to think of myself as busy or productive and might reflect a lack of grace in my life when it comes to sorting out "Do" vs. "Done". (Do being what I do for God and done being what He has already accomplished for me.
I think I feel it more than ever - busyness. I remember fondly when I used to sit on the front porch on my home growing up in Tennesssee and enjoy the swing many evenings after dinner - with my family or friends. Where did that day go.
Life in S. California seems characterized by anxiety, stress, fast lanes, performance based activity. I feel like Martha in light of Jesus - focusing on the tasks at hand and missing the need to sit at the feet of Jesus.
I am not lazy. But I might be missing what God has for me often in my busyness. Laziness and busyness are equal if opposite dangers on the same continuium.
Add to the the fact that somehow inside I keep thinking of the phrase if you want something done, give it to someone who is busy and it frightens me. The workplace rewards this type of mindset and even expects it from those that want to climb the ladder.
Still it is true, busyness is no more close to godliness than cleanliness - regardless of how often repeated or perceived. Going mach speed is not spiritual, but can be addictive.
We are all given the same amount of time from God per week; we all have our one and only life to contend with and hopefully give as a gift to back to God. I'ts not there is not enough time, just too many commitments. Somehow intuitively, I know that there is always time for His will. If I have a time issue, is it because I'm trying to do something I'm not called to? Is it that there are more functions than I'm meant to participate in? Ah... too many choices?
God worked six days and then rested. He is God. Am I stronger than He? The concept of work and play, labor and leisure, originated from a God who knew we'd need it. It was so important He included it in his Big Ten (commandments).
I realize as I write this that I know the principle - just don't tap God's power to live it. Thus my prayer, help me be a Mary some of the time. God give me daily grace to do what YOU have called me to do. Break the back of this busyness addiction. And I'll reprioritize - if I can find the time....
Monday, October 04, 2004
The pawn and the king - both go back in the box. It all goes back in the box.
It's so true. Our status in life does not mean much. Whether we have a little or lot, it must be placed in perspective. He with the most toys when he dies - still dies...
I want to live like everything is going back in the box.
It's so true. Our status in life does not mean much. Whether we have a little or lot, it must be placed in perspective. He with the most toys when he dies - still dies...
I want to live like everything is going back in the box.
