Not Nearly Enough Time…
It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late,
and work your worried fingers to the bone.
Don’t you know he enjoys
giving rest to those he loves? Psalm 127:2 The Message
I moved through the house this morning before heading out the door, making a mental note of what I needed to take with me, of what I need to pick up at the store on the way home this afternoon…making sure Ginger’s water dish was filled…hoping the kitchen would somehow clean itself before I come home!
I stopped to take my vitamins and glanced out the window to see birds sitting in the lilac tree by the bird feeder waiting for their daily portion. They flew off as I added seed to both feeders and dropped a little on the ground for good measure. Back inside the kitchen, I stood by the window sipping tea and watching as they ventured back…a pair of cardinals, a few finches, a chickadee and a couple of blue jays. They sense that bad weather is coming and they’re filling up.
I stood quietly and watched for about 10 minutes, realizing that I have not spent nearly enough time this year watching the birds. Not nearly enough time watching the sunrise. Not nearly enough time sitting on the deck with the sun on my face. Not enough time with Ginger on my lap. Not nearly enough time with family. Not nearly enough time in His presence.
I’ve let BUSY-ness get in the way. I’ve let weariness creep in. That isn’t God’s plan for me…for us.
“ But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.” Galatians 5:22-23 The Message
At the end of each day, we should be able to look back on it and say, “It is good,” and then sleep well. Each morning, we should be able to rise rested and ready to face the day walking in His grace.
We each are given 24 hours each day. It is up to us to set priorities and to find balance…to let go of some of the good things we do that create busy-ness and purpose to enjoy the God things that bring rest, joy and peace to our lives.
Darlene Shelton 12/14/22