Chapter 4 - A Sanctuary of time
As we open the pages to begin our forth chapter we find almost immediately the never ending conflict of time. We are all living a life with too little time and so many things to accomplish. And here we find ourselves taking on yet one more challenge, to tally one thousand gifts. Ann writes, “Time is life. And if I want the fullest life, I need to find fullest time. I wipe a water spot off the tap; there is a reflection of me. Oh yes, I know you, the busyness of your life leaving little room for the source of your life. I’m the face grieving. God gives us time. And who has time for God? Which makes no sense.”
As I read this passage I hung my head in shame. I am guilty. God has given me so much. Who am I to say I don’t have enough time to give Him the glory? I pick myself up, brush off the wounds and consider this moment of shame a blessing, my eyes wide open. We only get one chance to live this life and I would agree with Ann, “I just want to do my one life well.”
I was definitely challenged by Ann's thoughts on time and her remarks on how "the hurry makes us hurt" (p. 66). As she wrote about the race, the pushing hard and barking instructions... I humbly had to recognize that I've been there - too often. So often the feverish frantic fight... but why? As Ann notes and I must agree, "Hurry always empties a soul" (p.67). To save a few minutes, the wrestle and push is so painful at times. I loved her conclusion that "life is not an emergency. Life is eucharisteo" (p. 74).
We discover the truth that in giving thanks we get more time because we are truly living in the moment. On page 71, I was stuck with awe once again. Ann documents the passage in John 6:11, “Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks…” how many times have we read that passage but failed to see the significance of giving thanks and what a difference it would make in our lives. As we continue reading Ann writes, “Jesus embraces His not enough…He gives thanks…And there is more than enough! Thanksgiving makes time.”
I am not sure how many of you are looking for more time but as we seek to discover the gifts in our lives let us truly be aware that, “It’s not the gifts that fulfill but the holiness of the space. The God in it" (p. 69).
In the idea of meeting God in the moment, I was reminded of Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." How hard it is for me to just relish each moment with God and trust Him with all the details of daily life. If I could better recognize His Presence in all the moments of every day, I could greatly diminish any sense of "emergency" and replace it with a spirit of thanksgiving - thanksgiving for even the little frustrations, delays, unexpected detours and little daily headaches.
Let us seek the great I Am!
How have you slowed time in thanksgiving this week?
MM and MS
So the saying goes---"take time to smell the roses"! This seems so appropriate being Valentine's and all :-)
ReplyDeleteWhen I get the feeling of being overwhelmed with wanting to do so much and for so many I have to stop and realize what is most important before I want to run the other way! When I hear of others who also need to take a moment and be thankful for "time" it's easier to put all things in perspective and RELAX in God's arms.
Have a blessed week gals.
Xx