Devotionals

I remember playing at school as a child.  As I ran everywhere on the playground, with every ounce of energy I had I dreaded hearing those fateful words I would sometimes hear if I was disobeying the playground rules.  “Marc!  Go sit down!  You are in time-out!”  It didn’t happen often that I was punished through time-out, but there was nothing worse then having to stop and sit down to watch my friends continue to play.  I would sulk and lean against the brick of the school, with sweat pouring down my temples; out of breath and completely dejected.  

As an adult, the idea of a time out is no longer abhorrent.  In fact, it sounds pretty good.  If only someone would point at me and say, “Marc!  Take a break.  Go sit down for a while and do nothing.  That’s right, absolutely nothing.”  That sounds like a little slice of heaven, if I’m honest.  

Our lives are so busy and so chock full of responsibilities and commitments that we rarely get to take a break.  Oh sure we take vacations every so often, but we end up needing a vacation from our vacation because we wear ourselves out when we are supposed to be resting.  

In Matthew, Jesus sees the effects that hyper-busyness has on our souls.  He challenges us to stop, take a time out, and rest.  He encourages us to learn the unforced rhythms of His grace.  This is a life that is in stark contrast to the busyness we have become accustomed to.  It’s a life of rest and fulfillment.  It’s a life of purpose, pace, and rhythm.  I don’t know about you but this kind of life sounds pretty good.  Stop and give yourself a time out today.  Stop and listen to the world around you.  Stop and enjoy the moment.  You’ll be glad you did!