Last week, I was on vacation. I trimmed horse hoofs, took a trailer for repair, dug post holes for a neighbor’s fence, replaced the tires on our travel trailer, began repairing a squeeze chute, designed and purchased the materials for a new dog run, and worked on host of other things that I have needed to do but didn’t have the time.
Now my vacation is over. It’s back to regular work hours, which means many of the projects I started, will be very slow going. As usual, I will begin to feel a lot of pressure to get more things done than my calendar will allow. But is that really how I am supposed to live?
In 1992, the group Alabama released their huge hit, I’m in a Hurry. The refrain says:
I’m in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life’s no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.
Sadly, many of us can relate to the hurry, hurry, rush, rush, way of life.
As you start a new work week, already behind on some of the tasks from last week, what is it you really have to do? Don’t be so overburdened by the tasks of the day that you forget to stop and smell the roses.
Today, many people, by the choices they make will choose to simply exist. They will rush, scurry, and hurry to get things done. If you don’t believe me, look at the way many people drive during rush hour. By their actions, they see themselves as nothing more than cogs in the wheel of life. That’s not living, it’s existing.
God does not want you to simply exist. God wants you to live – today – in this moment.
The author of Ecclesiastes realized what truly mattered. This is what he said, “After looking at the way things are on this earth, here’s what I’ve decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that’s about it. That’s the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It’s useless to brood over how long we might live.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, MSG)
Today you will choose to exist or live. I hope you choose to live.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in this world filled with competing demands for my time and loyalty, help me see what really matters. Help me live a life that pleases and honors you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Choose to live.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 