It won't last long. Within a few weeks we will be at baseball games and golf tournaments. Practicing late and just trying to have at least one meal a week at the table together. It won't be long until I feel a little stretched from both ends...and our schedule seems over the top, and date night is when you get to sit together at your child's sporting activity.
The focus this week for our lesson to kids is that Jesus took time...for God...and especially for others. Jesus' life was not any less busy than ours really. He spent most of His time with others. He often got up early and spent the entire day doing His Father's business. He was fully human and so I am sure His feet hurt and back ached at times. I am sure He felt tired at the end of the day.
Jesus had this ability to live right in the moment. Whether He was in the garden alone or on a dirt road being pressed by the crowds, He was there body, mind, and spirit. He didn't live in the regret of not getting something done nor did He worry about the next hour or day. He just remained present wherever He was.
Last year I chose a word for my spiritual focus. The word was presence. I learned so much through the word, but the most important is this...
The only time we connect to God and to others is right now. You cannot go back and do it yesterday. You might not get to tomorrow. The only time, the only place...to be in His presence...is HERE and NOW.
Before I learned this, I dreaded our busy season. I would think...when this is over we can spend time together again. I don't think that way too much anymore. Whatever season my family is in...busy or slow, whatever we are doing...work or play...all are opportunities to connect to talk to laugh and love.
That's how Jesus lived. May we learn to do the same.
