image 13.
thoughts.
why are we so busy? why do we brag about how busy we are - as if it's some sort of badge of honor we should wear proudly? since when does 'busy' equate to 'happiness'? no man, when on his death bed, cries out "i wish i would have worked more."
these first few weeks of lent have been extremely busy for me. i've had to fill in at the pulpit in the church where i work/attend, as our pastor was on medical leave. add to that a couple of youth worship services, a lock in, guys game night, community interactive worship services, etc. it's been hectic. our last Kaleidoscope worship service had the theme "slow down." as i prepared for it - i began to see the irony... here i was assisting in the planning of an interactive worship service with the theme of 'slow down' and i'm as busy as i've ever been; running myself ragged.
i don't think God's plan for us was to be consumed with busyness. i think busyness adds to the noise in our lives that can and will distract us from God. how often is God trying to get our attention but we're too busy? no time for God. maybe we can't hear His voice because of the noise and chaos.
i don't want to miss out on the greatness of God. i don't want to forget him during my busy times. it's counter culture to 'slow down' - but i am convinced that is God's plan.
Even Jesus knew when it was time to retreat - and to be with His heavenly Father. He took notice of the birds of the air and the lillies of the field. Heck, didn't God create the world in six days and on the seventh day, rested? from the beginning, the model for full, rich life has been there. why do i ignore it?
i want to slow down. i want to see more sunrises and sunsets. want to spend more time playing with my kids. more time laughing. reading. doing. living. resting. seeking. trusting. loving.
in the end - i want peace. and that is sure to come if ... i... could... just .......... slow.................... down.......................
scriptures.
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
~Matthew 11:28
16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
~Luke 5:16
search your hearts and be silent.
~Psalm 4:4
11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
~I Kings 19:11-12
questions.
“Does my schedule, my time, my life look like that of a person who wants to hear God’s voice?”
What are some things in your daily life you could change to eliminate some of the noise?
“Is it possible that you’ve been searching for God in the winds … the earthquakes and fires … And he’s waiting to speak to you in the silence?”
reflection/reading.
Noise.
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