Are you too busy to let Jesus in to your everyday? Here is one lady's story of how she came to realise that something needed to change....
I am the Way the Truth and the Life, no-one comes to the Father except
through me.
John 14:6 (NIV)
Most of us lead hectic lives no matter what stage of life we
are in. I'm in the "mum of two young children (6 and 8 years), trying to
launch a writing career, run a house and keep a husband happy" stage. A
few months ago, life was so busy that I thought I could do life without God.
Here is what happened.
Life was good. Eventful? Yes. Frantic? At times. I pride
myself on managing lots of projects at once. Living in the fast lane. No, it's true, I had little time for bible
reading or prayer but I believed God understood me. I'm a modern woman. He
can't expect me to ponder over scripture or spend time in quiet contemplation
with Him. QUIET? I don't do QUIET!
Three weeks later and my daughter is ill. Not seriously. Just
time 'consuming-ly', 'frustratingly', I'm stuck-in-the-house-and-can't-get-anything-done
for a week-ly.
By the following week I'm incredibly behind with work. Monday
morning Dad calls, he's upset and needs a chat. An hour later I feel
overwhelmed and de-motivated. I call my
best friend and we meet for coffee. We swop woes. I advise and sympathise. Oh, time
for school run!
It's Tuesday and I've arranged to see a troubled friend. Life
has not treated her well. I listen and
take it all on board but at least we do pray for five minutes. I then have an
hour to do the family food shop before the school run.
Wednesday, my baby sister calls needing a rant. I listen and
advise. A few more chores and then I'm out again collecting children.
Thursday is much the same.
By Friday I am so behind with my work my publisher wonders 'have
I been away somewhere nice'? I've had a nasty text from an unhappy friend, I've
had a huge row with my husband, shouted at my children and I have a demanding
weekend ahead. Suddenly it is all too much. I go to pieces.
So, there you have it, I got too busy for Jesus. Actually I
think it was worse than that. I thought I could handle life. Alone. I thought I could help manage other people's
difficulties and I could control my own problems. I felt flattered that people
opened up to me and seemed to like my advice (I'm not sure any of them took it)
I didn't need Jesus. I'd fit Him in when I could.
"I am the Way the Truth and the Life. No-one comes to
the Father except through me." I think that verse means more than accepting
Jesus as our Lord and Saviour so we can spend eternity with God, the Father.
I think Jesus is also saying, "I am the Way - Do life
with me. I can help you make it work. I can help you to achieve all that I have
set out for you. I can teach you, lead you, protect you and my love will shine
through you to touch others."
Prayer:
Jesus, Thank you for being there for me all the time.
Help me to make You the priority in my life; to bring the details of my life to
you, however small. Thank you for reminding me that You are the Way, the Truth
and the Life and that life without You is so empty and fragile.