HOW DO WE GET TO REAL TIME

So many people are spinning so fast on wheels of activity, job, commitments, sports, school and recreation that it all becomes a blur of activity and scheduling with colored markers on the refrigerator calendar to direct the times, transportation, and to avoid conflicts of scheduling. Most do not even notice how normal this has become. It may be socially normal and acceptable but if we are as truly ‘modern’ in our Christianity as we are in our ability to juggle and schedule all other activity; why is it there is less and less time for spiritual pursuit?

It is simply because we have scheduled God out of our busy lives for the insanity of our frantic activity and over participation. How could there be time for developing the values of reading, prayer, meditation, silence, discipline and listening when there is still yet another soccer practice to be involved in, one more call to make, and one more search on the internet? To even mention it and write it down on this page seems like suggesting a return to the Middle Ages, or to pre-Industrial times, before electricity, before the age of jet power and nuclear fusion and a complete denial of real life. But that is not the issue at all.

The issue is, how do we step back from our day-timers, calendars and Microsoft Outlook and really look at our lifestyles and the impact of our choices and evaluate our peace of mind and the condition of the world we live in? When do we implant the Word of God into ourselves and sit in peace and prayer to enjoy the harvest of our hurried pursuits; when do we look into each others blank blood-shot eyes and re-affirm love and commitment; when do we thank each other for hard work, provision and protection; when do we hold our children and listen to them and confirm them; when do we sit idle on the porch, patio, or under a tree and breathe in rest and contentment?

(Written 16 years ago in my 2004 Journal)

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus