Some Thoughts

My sister, Becky, is getting her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy in Chicago.  Last week she called, very frustrated, because she has had trouble getting in contact with her professors when she has questions.  They are slow to respond to e-mails, and aren’t always around during their posted office hours.  They are always very apologetic, saying how busy they are, and how they are having to manage many different activities in their lives.

Does that excuse sound a bit familiar?  Our lives are SO busy, that it is often difficult to keep the many commitments we make.  I know I often have someone miss an event at church because they have a school or sports activity at the same time.  Or, in order to come to a church event, they have to cancel two or three other commitments.  It makes me wonder – how busy is too busy?  Though it’s great to be involved in a variety of activities, when do we simply say, “Enough is enough!”  

I wish there was an easy answer to that question!  It is my hope, though, that the activities you choose bring you joy, not stress, and allow you to truly live life, rather than simply going through the motions – from one activity to the next.

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b

I recently got a “Twitter” account.  I’m still figuring out what Twitter is, but as far as I can tell, it is a way to update people about what you are doing.  “Going to a Mariners game tonight” one of my friends from high school wrote this morning.  “Watching kiddo sing and bang on the old laptop” another friend posted yesterday.

When I initially heard about this site, my first thought was, “Who cares?”  Who cares enough about me to want to read that I am currently choosing the music to sing in worship on Sunday?  But, after thinking about some more, I am beginning to realize that Twitter has a wonderful ability to connect people and create community.  All of the people I follow on Twitter live in other towns, and I don’t regularly see them – but I feel like I am a part of their lives because I can read their updates.  Instead of “Who cares” my reaction now is, “Isn’t it great that people care!”  Yes, people are interested in what I am doing and thinking at any given time.  Yes, I do want to know about the joys and sorrows my friends are experiencing with their work and family. 

This is not an advertisement for Twitter, but rather, a reminder to cherish community – in whatever way works best for us.  God’s spirit truly unites us all.

“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.”  1 Corinthians 12:26

My 11 month old son Ben seems to be learning new things each day.  It’s so fun to watch him conquer tasks, which just a couple days before seemed impossible.  His most recent favorite thing is to crawl to the piano bench, hoist himself to a standing position, shimmy over to the keyboard, reach as high as he can, and play the keys.  Once he finally reaches the keys, he beams with the joy of having accomplished the task.

Lots of things are very challenging for the little guy, but his curiosity and his persistence usually win in the end.  It seems that all babies are like that – born ready to tackle whatever challenge is put in front of them.  Do you still have that spirit of accomplishment?  Do you persist through a difficult task until it is finally complete?  Do you still beam with joy when you learn new things, or figure out a puzzling problem?  May we not lose the tenacity – or the joy – that we had when we were younger!

“Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”  Hebrews 12:1a

Many kids I know have either just finished, or are about to begin spring break.  It always amazes me how busy people are on what is supposed to be a break!  The time we spend on break really reflects how we tend to live our lives – always in motion with something to do/study/learn/play/etc.  When I find myself getting too over-scheduled, I try to find some time to be still and quiet, and to simply be.  To do nothing.  To sit and be with God – letting all the other distractions and commitments wait a while.  How important it is to refresh ourselves – mind, body, heart, and soul – but how difficult it can be!  Give it a try this week, and see what happens!

“Be still, and know that I am God!”  Psalm 46:10a