The Pace of Life

So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.Psalm 90:12

Author Richard Swenson MD talks about overload syndrome, how we pack so much into our daily lives that we have no "margin". The only way to develop our intimate relationship with Jesus (and others) is to spend time with Him. Do you realize that one hour is only 4% of our day? How many of us spend one hour per day seeking the Lord through Bible reading and prayer? I know that I do not.

The pace of life in Africa is much slower than here. During my trips to Africa, it is difficult for me to adapt to the slower pace of life. I get so used to the hurry...hurry...hurry pace here that my internal rhythm is always set on full speed. It is very difficult for most of us to back off the conveyer belt of life and take time to be with Jesus. We need to seek first His kingdom. One way to capture more time is to have planned periods of solitude. Jesus considered time alone with His Father important and so should we. The Scriptures tell us that Jesus often went off by himself to spend time in prayer with His Father.

How much less stress we all would have if we would learn from our African brothers and sisters and slow down our pace of life. At the end of our days when we are before the throne, I am sure we will not wish we had spent more time at work or in committee meetings or even on hobbies or in sports. We will wish we had spent more time deepening our relationship with God and others.

Mike McMahon

"Death is a friend of ours; he that is not ready to entertain him is not at home." - Francis Bacon

Prayer Power

Lord, teach us to valve our time and to use it wisely. Help us to know you in a very real, deep and personal way. Amen