“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.” Psalm 105:4
It was a simple request and an easy one for me to fulfill. I read my colleague’s text and shot back a quick yes when he asked, “May I have thirty minutes of your time?” We had recently collaborated on a significant project, and I was happy to help him figure out this next phase. Of course, no problem, I’ll come.
Later, I thought of the true worth of his question: “May I have thirty minutes of your time?” I gave away a part of my day, a slice of my life, a small portion of the hours that had been allotted to me because I considered the cost worthwhile. Of course I would give him that small sliver of time to ensure the project flourished and thrived.
I am far too often more stingy and less cooperative with God. Throughout the day he attempts to corral my attention and pose a similar question: “May I have thirty minutes of your time? Do you suppose that somewhere between sunup and nightfall you could arrange a way to spend some of your time alone with me?
But Lord, I am quite occupied, and I’m sure you realize this. To hand over thirty minutes is quite out of the question at the moment since I have so very much to do. I’m almost sure I could give you twenty or thirty minutes tomorrow, or perhaps the day after that. I’ll get to you just as soon as I possibly can. But I know you…you’ll understand.
The days flow into weeks and weeks pile into months and months stack together into years. Time flies and flees and runs away like a wild horse, no fault of mine, I daresay. Naturally, I meant to give the Lord thirty minutes or so. And I will make him a priority one of these days when life slows down just a bit, and I can carve out a holy place to put him. Perhaps after this email is sent, and the boss’ report is finished, and the weeds are pulled, and the house is painted, and the wash is folded, and the Facebook post is up, and the workout is over, and the phone calls are returned, perhaps then. That’s right. I’ll do it then.
I will absolutely make the time for God then.
“At that time Jesus declared…‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls’” (Matthew 11:25 & 28-29).
Elizabeth A. Mitchell
Photo Credit: Lena Steers
Elizabeth, my role as a PP—People Pleaser directs me to make time for others. My struggle is to know when to say, “No.” Because of the insights you shared in this post, I am going to listen more closely when My Father speaks to my spirit and asks, “May I spend some time with you, Diane?” Instead of brushing Him off with, “I’ll meet you later,” I will work at disciplining myself to sit and commune with Him. Be still!
Thank You, Dear Jesus, that you call…”Come to me…” Is there anything better than to be called by such love?
Thank you
You are one blessed woman, God has so richly blessed you with communicating with others His Word. Thank you so much for blessing me& others, I know God smiles when He looks at you!!! Miss you……
Oh, Elizabeth. You wrote this just for me. This is something I’ve been working on, and still have a long way to go. Thank you.
A timely word, Elizabeth. Thank you!
Willing the God ,I would like to call you my Angel- Elizabeth.Thank you Lord, 2 years I gave my life,heart,soul,mined.Lord thank you that I be known Elizabeth and Pastor Bill.May the grace of the Lord Jessus Christ,and the love of God,and the fellowship of the Holly Spirit be with you all.She is a tree of life in those who take hold of her,those who hold her fast will be blessed.Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace.God be with you for ever and ever. Amen