With today’s frantic pace, a common answer to the question, “How are you?” is “Busy.”
Even those who strive hard to slow the pace --stemming the tide of play-dates, carpool trips, kids’ activities and appointments--often find themselves weary.
Laundry piles high in my car. (Yes, the car.) There was a house-showing request earlier this week, and we grabbed two baskets of clean unfolded laundry and hid them in our vehicle. They need to be brought in and folded now. Toddler toys scatter across one corner of the living room, and the washer hums downstairs.
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| Microsoft clipart. But this looks similar to my machine |
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| Microsoft clip art. Ahh, don't those Italians just know how to do laundry?! |
Tonight I stole a few hours of quiet in an empty house. Before and after studying my notes for tomorrow’s session with the fine ladies of Riverdale Church’s MOPS, I pulled my Bible close. “Lord, I come to you, let my heart be filled, renewed…” sang in my brain. Online radio played soothing nature sounds and piano trills, and an orange candle flickered beside my warm coffee.
“…They will wear themselves out but gain nothing…” The words in Jeremiah sound like today’s world too, not just from two thousand years ago. (Jer. 12: 13)
I followed along. Other verses came to mind too.
“I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for a man to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).
“When your words came, I ate them, they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty” (Jer. 15:16).
Another ancient prophet who heard God’s voice and told it to the people was Isaiah. He entreated everyone near him saying,
“Why spend … your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare” (Isa. 55:2).
So, yes, I need to fold the laundry still, and I will. Meals, toys, and homeschooling duties still remain. But for now, for this moment, I am choosing calm and quiet with my God.
Direct my steps, Lord.
Fill me with a love for your words, your letters. Ancient letters on wispy paper saved for thousands of generations… They fill me with joy and stir me to action, to love, to praise, to delight.
Are you wearing yourself out but gaining nothing? Pause, grab His book, and taste.
What helps you slow down and spend time with your Creator?
