We don’t need to fix our image; we need to fix the person in the mirror.

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” (Matthew 6:5)

How do you know if you’re too busy?
How do you breakout of a cycle of busyness?

One of the great pleasures of my life is being a dad. On July 2, I asked Robbie (my son) what he would say about me at my memorial service if I died and he had less than thirty seconds to share. After briefly reflecting, Robbie said “He loved Jesus. He hated busyness.” That’s a very accurate assessment from my perspective.  Then yesterday Robbie told me “Dad, you’re getting a lot better at saying “No.”

Jesus was never in a hurry – not once.  There are lots of small indicators to signal when I’m too busy. When I see enough of these occur in a short enough time period, I know it’s time to change what I’m doing. Getting alone with the LORD and being real with Him helps me sort things out. God multiplies everything we give Him with a cheerful heart; that includes our time. If I need more time, it’s time to spend more time alone with God.

My favorite thing to do is to pray, both by myself and with others. I’m thankful that God has worked out my schedule such that I read the Bible and pray for extended periods of time almost every day. I’m glad for my habit of journaling to bring clarity and to remember what God has done. I’m thankful that Robbie and Tim Smith Jr. are working for me this summer and that we recently started having a devotional time to get each work day off to a godly start.

What about you? What would your closest family members say about you if you died? Do you love Jesus? How much? Can others tell easily? How is the pace of your life? If you’re too busy, what steps can you take to change that?

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, so many people in America are on the fast train to nowhere. They are so busy that if You wanted to connect them with a key contact or open a big door for them, they wouldn’t even notice. That includes many or most of Your children. Teach each of us to trust in You more and to depend less on ourselves and the things of this world. Jesus, thank You for your standing invitation to all who are weary to come to You for rest. May we bless You Jesus with the pace of our lives. Amen.

Link of the Day
I’m Too Busy to Go to Church! [http://www.wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?2617&collectionID=1276&contentID=44244&shortcutID=17125]

Blessings to find creative ways to eliminate hurry from your life!