BUSY DAY

Mark 1:21-3721 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus wentinto the synagogue and began to teach. . . . 23 Just then a man intheir synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out. . . .25 "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. . . . 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James andJohn to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon's mother-in-law wasin bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So He went toher, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and shebegan to wait on them. 32 That evening . . . the whole town gatheredat the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons . . . . 35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for Him, 37 and when they found Him they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for You!"

Think you have a busy schedule? Most people's DayTimers overflowwith tasks: a fulltime academic load at school or a fulltime job, family and friends, a small-group Bible study during the week, responsibilities at church on Sunday. It's like packing for a big trip--you don't have room for all the stuff!

As God sees us face the clock, He has the advantage of beingindependent of time and space. He really does have all the time inthe world to do His work.

But He understands. Jesus' time on earth enabled Him to intercedefor us as one who has "been there, done that." In just half achapter (Mark 1:21-35) we read details of a schedule that makes thetypical person's life look leisurely. John 21:25 sets it straight; acomplete itinerary listing everything Jesus did would fill up roomsand rooms of books. (And who would have time to read them all on our schedule?) When we read of Jesus' very active ministry schedule, it may seem He could turn to us and say, "You think you're busy?"

To avoid whining, a little introspection might help. When I look atmy schedule, I see a lot of waste--time spent in front of the XBoxor the computer. We need to keep evaluating how we spend everyresource, including our time. As we make these assessments, though,we can recognize that Jesus understands the stress we're under. His encouragement, through His example, is that our time and our lives can count for something worthwhile.

So take a second look at that schedule. Sure, you're juggling a lot,but perhaps a couple of those balls can drop. Then, as you look atyour life, realize that you are not just killing time--you are building a foundation for a life that will make a difference for the future, even as you make a difference now.  --John Carvalho

DESTINATION POINTS

* What is the greatest time squeeze I feel right now?
* In what waysdoes the example of Jesus encourage me?
* How can I make sure thatall of my activities are building a strong foundation for the restof my life?

LINKS
Me Superman!
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2003/004/aug/27.27.html

bottom line: Spend time in ways that honor the Giver of it.
 
soul journey