Listening to a podcast today on resting; I found something so simple-- to be ridiculously profound... 'When you hurry; some relationship is damaged-- somewhere' And almost immediately my sinful nature wanted to get defensive and quickly pull up excuses or try to defend my often too-busy life... but the truth is... if I'm honest with myself; the only reason I want to argue it- is because I know it's true, and I just don't want to be held accountable to it... or 'deal with it'.
Ironically, my next instinct was to start thinking of the people in my life who I feel have done that to me... those who in the hurry and busy of their life; have neglected our friendship or shown their lack of care by not reaching out... and once again; conviction struck deep...
How many times have I not called back because I was just too busy...
How many times have I not texted back because I was just too busy...
How many opportunities to life an abundant life have I missed because I was just too busy just living...
How many times have I missed the change to share the Gospel; because I was just too busy...
How many times have I missed the cry of a friend; because I was just too busy...
How many times have I let a friendship deteriorate because I was just too busy...
How many times have I neglected my own family.... because I was just too busy...
How many times have I gotten so 'busy' 'doing ministry'; that I've neglected God; Himself... and forgotten WHY I do ministry in the first place.
And how many MORE times will I hurt those around me; because I choose to be 'just too busy'...
I am the chief of all sinners.
phew... that was a painful punch in the gut...
Today; I'm thankful for my family and friends who have shown so much grace in all those times... but moreover;
I'm beyond grateful and humbled by my God who daily pours out grace that I will never be able to fully comprehend.
