So Busy

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

1st Peter 4:7 NIV

We are so busy. We work too many hours. We over-commit to outside influences, events, and projects that we, for some reason, believe we must do. We set the alarm because we're afraid we'll oversleep because we didn't get to bed early enough to get enough sleep so we would wake up refreshed and be ready to do the day. 

We text because we don't have time for a regular conversation. We e-mail because it generally takes less time and we don't have to wait for the give-and-take of a conversation that could get deeper than time allows or affords us. We have game apps on everything that isn't nailed down, so that we don't ever have to sit quietly without some form of entertainment.

We are so busy, we don't even want to think about having to cook dinner. Oh, we can get a soft drink and something that sort of resembles the four food groups...well, if you don't look closely... at any given fast food drive-through lane. It's a quick fix - an immediate response to my demand. And the choices are pre-defined, so we don't have to think about it. We just pick from what we're offered, swipe our card and go... and eat going down the road to our next engagement or to home in front of the computer or TV... and we want to make it spiritual by proclaiming, "Thank God for drive-throughs..."

Well, I have discovered that as convenient as they are, I cannot be healthy going through fast food drive-through lanes all the time. I'd like a sit-down meal. Sometimes I like it when others make it and bring it to me. Sometimes I like it when I make it and take it to somebody or invite someone over to sit with me and dine. Sometimes, it's the joy of the preparation. The stopping of the go-go-go long enough to plan a meal, but most of the time we're even too busy to do that. Do you know it's the #1 totally acceptable excuse for 90-plus percent of the things we choose NOT to do? Everybody understands busy...

I've just been in such a fog - I'm so busy...  I can't even think straight - I'm so busy...  Ever heard one of those? Ever uttered one of those? Do you ever flop into bed at night and you're too tired to pray? I'll pray twice as long tomorrow, God, I know you understand... No... The Creator of the universe who keeps all things in perfect balance, including the planet we're spinning on, the King of all kings and Lord of all, who ALWAYS has time for us does NOT understand...

We tend to treat our prayer life like fast-food junkies. We won't sit in the line too long - we throw our prayers at the box - and expect God's answer by the time we get to the window. And if we don't get it, if we have to pull up and wait for any length of time, we have been known to mutter, "This is the last time I'm coming here... I'll go to such-and-such where I don't have to wait."

Can you hear our Father? "Children, wash your hands and face and come sit at the table. Dinner will be ready soon. Just sit here and give Me a few minutes. I've got everything you need and want right here."

Have we prayed yet? The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

Prayer:

Father,

         In Colossians 4:2, Your Word tells us to devote ourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Help us to recognize the need to be clear-minded and self-controlled so we can do just that. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen