Are you enjoying life? Honest answer.
Life goes fast. We have very little margin in life anymore. I had more time years ago meeting the needs and schedules of a husband, home, and four children than I do now. It’s crazy.
Most of us are living at a pace that’s unsustainable . . . and unbiblical.
I had a few special moments with close friends the other evening. One of the first things we talked about was stress and overload. We’re all on the same wheel and don’t know how to get off.
The next morning, I took inventory of priorities and commitments. Hmmm, still didn’t see the problem. I had to ask, Are you doing a lot of good things, or are you doing the best things?
Normal is busy. I don’t want to be normal.
If the devil can’t make us really bad, then he’ll make us really busy.
I see people everywhere multi-tasking, interrupted by iphones and ipads, having to be in the next place ten minutes ago.
We have to be all there – when we’re there!
We’re so extended we don’t have enough time to have meaningful relationships with family and friends anymore. Even on Sunday. Sometimes I search the archives in my head to remember when that was simply a day to rest and enjoy family.
We can’t create time, but we can create moments.
So, what do we do?
I challenge (us) . . .
*Start at the beginning. Sunday. How can we handle this sacred day differently than the other six days?
*On the other six days – create a to-don’t list.
*Talk to a 90 year old. Ask what they’d do differently with the longer twenty-four hours they use to have every day. I doubt if they’d say, “I wish I worked longer hours.”
But, they might say, “I wish I enjoyed more sunsets and ice cream.”
Life is speeding by . . . but this day we can know, love, and live for Jesus, the Master of time.
We have twenty-four hours to catch up . . . and start over, creating margins and moments.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Verna
Write on, Verna. I love the “to don’t” list.
I know – I’m “making time” to write one 🙂
Verna,
This is a very timely message.
I love checking off the boxes in my “to-do” list; but hate carrying over what I didn’t get done in
the day.
Your “to don’t” list is a permission for peace.
Write on!
I love this, Carolyn – I am labeling my list a “Permission of Peace” . . . thanks!
Wow!
I look forward to more of your Permission of Peace Verna-isms.
Miss you, dear lady.
Great reminder as I run on my treadmill called life!!!
Thanks Verna!
Love it – I know the run! But, we can encourage each other. Let’s choose the best, Beth!
Wonderful reminder Verna!
Thank you for your faithful visits!
I kept clicking past your post today. I thought, “I don’t have time.” Then it just popped up, right there on the screen. I read the first line and couldn’t stop. Add this to the fact that I actually thought on my way home from shoulder therapy this morning, “What would Verna say to me today?” It’s been a Monday where I’ve been so close to hyperventilating for many reasons. Just too much–all good, but what’s the best? Thank you, Jesus, for giving me a wise friend and allowing her post these words today. Words You wanted me to hear and listen to. 🙂
This should be a re-blog! What you’ve written is so true for so many of us, Carolyn . . . and I’m so glad you “took time for me” today, and that you will be taking time to choose the best that our good Father sends your way, sweet friend!
Verna,
Give yourself permission to take a Power nap ever now and then. If you can’t sleep, try counting sheep and you’ll fall asleep, counting your blessings.
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest between His shoulders”…
There’s no better way to create a to-don’t list, than to replace it with a to-do to count our blessings! Great comment, Glenda – thank you!
Thanks for this. I’ve finally gotten some time “in the margins” after the chaos of school is over–and believe it or not, a part of me feels ‘guilty’ for not being busier! Ridiculous, what? I’ll have fast weeks and slow weeks this summer, but I went through “post-teaching depression” going from 125 mph to 10 mph.
I’m finally letting myself take a break and absorb life and relax a bit. Babysat a child today and instead of trying to fill gim with knowledge, played catch and other games. *sighs* To know Christ with the simplicity of a child, instead of thinking I have to please Him by filling my schedule.
God bless from a slower lane!
I love – to know Christ with the simplicity of a child instead of thinking we have to please Him with all we do . . . . how true, if we could just . . . . get it. Enjoy your 10 mph summer, Janeen!
It always helps to spend time with a child to hear a sermon . . . I’m sure the little guy “caught” more than the ball by spending time with such a fine teacher.