Busy Schedules

 

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:9-15 ESV).

 

Today Mary and I are leaving for a brief time of vacation in the Smoky Mountains. It looks like we will arrive at just about the peak time for fall color. We’ve chosen to stay in a cabin up in the mountains above Gatlinburg. According to the reviews, the only thing we may have to worry about staying in this rental is the persistent bears that like to sun on the front porch! We are certainly looking forward to the time away from the “busy” life so often a part of our routine. Of course our “busy” looks very different now that we are both practically retired; I only work a couple of days each week. However, it seems there is always a schedule to keep. These days it is filled with one doctor’s appointment or another. I like the days when there is nothing on the schedule best. We are anticipating a week of those in the mountains.

 

Jesus often spent time alone. At the very start of his ministry, he spent 40 days alone in the wilderness, being tempted by Satan. He no doubt spent a lot of it praying, fasting, and being energized for his mission by his Father in heaven. This was a vitally important time for Jesus’ preparation to do the work he had come to do. Likewise, we need time alone with God. When we are alone with God, spending time talking to him and listening for direction through his Word, we are being prepared for our mission here on earth. Our faith is formed as we seek God’s guidance and wisdom. But in the busyness of life often the first thing we skip is time with God. Schedules get in the way, and time passes. We’d like to spend more time with God, but we can’t seem to fit it in.

 

Here is your challenge for today: find some time to be alone with God as he prepares you for his mission in your life! Perhaps I’ll have even more to say about that after our visit to the mountains!