Day 35: Preparation and stillness

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Exodus 20:8-11

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

*Mark 14:12-25*
“On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you ...He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.’ So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.” ~Mark 14:12-16







“Freedom from Busy” by Betsy Bledsoe

Today’s Scripture talks a lot about “preparations for the Passover,” but I wonder if our culture confuses God’s preparation (and preparation for God) with the busy-ness of running around. Certainly, the disciples had a lot to do, but—in the right time—they sat down and ate with Jesus. Their work had limits and Christ-defined purpose.
Lately I find myself commenting about, how “busy” I am! Busy with spring cleanup in the yard, busy making graduation plans with my son, busy volunteering, busy with this and that….. I'm just busy, busy, busy!  Phillip and I were enjoying some time with friends the other night, when the  alarm went off on my phone to remind me "to power wash the driveway" the next day.

At that moment, I realized how absurd being “busy” really is.  What if the Disciples had been too busy to drop everything and follow Jesus? What if Jesus said to God at the foot of cross, “Hey.. sorry… too busy today for a crucifixion!"

 How often do we miss out on the important things in life, because we're too busy?  Too busy to notice the elderly woman in the grocery store who could use some help getting an item off the shelf. Too busy to give a friend a hug and tell them what a difference they make in your life. Too busy to just sit and visit with someone. Think of the special things we are missing out on because of our busyness. Those special things are called “life”.  So as we near the end of Lent, my plan is to limit my busyness and focus on what matters the most in “my life”…… my family, my friends, my church, my Savior!   So, the neighbors will just have to put up with my dirty driveway a little bit longer because I’m going to be too “busy” to power wash it! 




Prayer:
God of eternity, time looks different to you, doesn’t it? We scramble to ‘make the most’ of our time, but YOU made it in the first place! Help us, this week especially, to make time to sit with you, to walk with you, to remember you. Teach us the right time to say ‘yes’ and the right time to say ’no.’ We rest (and play) in You.  Amen.



This isn't a typical 'worship song' but this gorgeous piece
just says something to me about stillness and wonder...
(Eric Whitacre's "Lux Aurumque (Light and Gold)")

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