This article is very timely for me as we put our home on the market and prepare for our move to Colorado. It seems there is always something on my ‘plate.’ Women aren’t always very good about taking time to rest and sit at the feet of Jesus, which is ‘needful.’ As you read Nancy’s article, don’t just read it, really take it to heart and apply it to where you’re living. If you’re like me, you have something planned for almost every moment of the day. Take a breath and sit at the feet of Jesus.
Until next time,
Kelly
Our Father’s Business versus Busyness
by Nancy Vencill
It’s two o’clock in the morning as I write this article. It’s quiet in the Vencill house, well, except for the dog, who keeps watch over our house. As I reflect back over the last several months, I am well aware of the busyness of our lives. I started fulltime college classes last fall and work fulltime as a receptionist. Ralph went toHampton , Virginia for a two week training, at the beginning of Matthew’s basketball season. I coached basketball for two weeks and co-coached and shot photographs the rest of the season. I shot my first wedding as a photographer. I taught our Wednesday Night Kids class every week. I led worship every Sunday. I talked with and encouraged children, youth, and adults in their walk with the Lord. The list goes on, but I’m sure your list looks something like this.
As I think about my life and if I’m doing what the Lord wants, I realize that each and every item on the list is doing what He has called me to do. I love to worship Jesus-so I lead worship. I want others to experience His presence in their lives, so I teach children on Wednesday nights. I want my children’s friends to experience the love of Jesus in a practical way—so we coach, go to plays and performances, take photos of children in their activities, and spend time loving the children God brings our way. I capture special events on film. It’s part of celebrating the special moments in life.
Every part of this puzzle continues to fit together piece by piece. Each time I think I’m not sure I can go on, He gives me another piece to the puzzle that helps it come into better perspective. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds it. I don’t know which pieces He will lay aside for another time. I do know that I will choose obedience to His will and His plan, because He knows what the finished puzzle will look like. I want to finish well. I want to hear Him say, “Well done, You are a good and faithful servant, enter into My rest.”
If you are struggling today with a schedule or circumstances that feel overwhelming, take some time to rest. Jesus walked away from the crowds to rest and spend time with His Father. Please mark some time on your calendar that sets an appointment with God. (Who would argue with that on your calendar?) Rest, rest, rest. Don’t feel guilty for spending time with Him. The other things can and will wait. When you have experienced that refreshing that comes only from time in His presence, then go back to the crowds. Keep serving diligently, faithfully, and lovingly.
The Message Romans 12: 8-9 “If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you are called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.”
Be about your Father’s business.
Nancy Vencill
