by Desiree Bustamante

A busy life hinders relationship with Christ.

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“The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’ He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.”
Mark 6: 30-32 New Living Translation

How are you? The response often is, “I’m fine, but busy.” We hear it. We say it. We feel what being busy does to our body, mind and soul. Yet we can’t seem to slow down.

Our lives are scheduled to the minute with work, school, family, appointments—even church activities. To do lists that are supposed to keep us organized reflect how busy we’ve become. There is never enough time to complete everything and we are consumed with doing, not resting.

Jesus was never in a hurry. He took time to listen to people and meet their greatest needs. Most of all, He spent much of His time with His heavenly father, resting and praying.  Jesus’ relationship with His father was powerful and energizing, equipping Him for His ministry on earth.

Take a moment to plan some intentional time with Jesus. It might not be easy to divert from your schedule.  It’s hard to untangle yourself from our cultural norm of basing value on how busy we are and how much we accomplish. But I challenge you to alter your plans this week and schedule a quiet time with Jesus, releasing all the day’s cares and burdens to Him. Rest in Jesus’ love and His promise that when you come to Him, He will give you rest for your body, mind and soul.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado