Who has time for that???

Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast—you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. –Eddie Cantor


The old adage tells us that if we need something done, we should ask a busy person to do it. But these days, it seems like everyone is just too busy to do anything. When we are racing around like our hair is on fire (figuratively speaking), the first thing well-meaning folks tell us is to “make some time for yourself.”

How on earth is that supposed to happen? There are only 24 hours in a day! But this is actually very sound advice.

Remember, if you’ve flown on an airplane, how the flight attendant reminds us to put on our own oxygen mask first—and then help younger or less able passengers? It’s like that.

We cannot run on an empty tank. Jesus knew that, and modeled The Way for us in this practice, as well. Many times throughout the Gospels, we are reminded that Jesus went off by himself to pray. And especially, as the end was near, Jesus made time to spend in plaintive prayer to the Father, even when he might have preferred not to be so alone, as his followers and closest friends couldn’t stay awake.

It’s easy to make excuses not to step away and rest/ pray. We are, after all, very busy people. But you know what?

The next time you find yourself thinking you are too busy to pray, imagine being too busy to stop at the gas station to fill up your car. How far would you get in your busyness if you didn’t make time for a fill-up?

Monday After his baptism, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, where he faced forty days of temptation. Where do you face temptation in your life? Pray to be led by the Spirit. Matthew 4:1-11

Tuesday Do you have a spiritual mentor, someone to whom you can turn when your soul is troubled? Give thanks for their presence in your life. (Send a note of appreciation.) Isaiah 42:1-9

Wednesday To whom do you serve as a spiritual guide? (You do, you know.) Pause and reflect for a moment; pray for your relationship with that person. Luke 2:41-52

Thursday Pray today for the spiritual leaders, both professional and lay, at this church you call home. Ask the Lord to protect and keep them as they lead. Romans 1:8-10

Friday Today, make opportunities to be deliberately kind to someone you might otherwise not engage. Whether you offer a smile or a cup of coffee, be Jesus. Top off another’s spiritual tank. Galatians 3:26-28

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, allow God to affirm the unique creation that is you. Name a few qualities that make you, you. Proverbs 19:21

Sunday As we gather again for worship, focus your gaze upward—literally and spiritually. Absorb the beauty of sight, sound and Children of God that fill this house of worship. Genesis 28:16-17

Talk low, talk slow, and don’t say too much. –John Wayne


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