I Don’t Have Time! [Choosing Joy]

Monday morning at work is always terribly hectic.  It seems like as soon as I hit the door, life is non-stop until lunch time.  So I try to get there as early as I can so that I can be sure to get everything accomplished.

Well, one recent morning I was struggling.  The baby had had a rough night so I overslept 20 minutes.  I had forgotten to pack lunches the night before so I was rushing around the kitchen.  I nursed the baby, kissed my husband, gathered my bags and was just about to head out the door only a few minutes behind schedule when my four-year-old rushed in from her room, pj’s, bedhead, and sleepy-eyed.

“Mama!  Don’t go!”

“Good morning, Darling!  I’m so glad I got to see you, but Mama is in a hurry!  I have to get to school.”

“Please don’t go to school!  Read me a Bible story!”

Before I could respond she sprinted back to her room, and as I tried to make my escape she returned with her little storybook Bible.

“Sweetie, I would love to, but I don't have time.  I really need to get going.” She gave me her most disappointed face, bottom lip and all.  “Sigh… Okay.  One little story.”

I cuddled with my daughter for 5 minutes and we read about Jonah and the big fish.  Then I kissed her head and resumed my departure.  As I got in the car and frantically turned the ignition, I prayed that God would find a way to help me regain the minutes that I had used still at home.

My commute to work takes me through ten stoplights.  On a normal morning I am caught by at least half of them, but this morning the whole way was green!  Then I arrived at work and the meeting that I thought I was missing was cancelled!  Then my co-worker popped her head in and told me that she took care of the announcement that I was anxious to prepare! Then my assistant walked in early to help with the Monday morning rush! And just like that, all the burdens that I had been carrying were lightened!

I don’t have to worry that my flour and oil jars will run out like the widow in Elijah’s story from last week.  (1 Kings 17) But, I do worry about my time running out and my to-do list not getting done.  The widow chose to put God's prophet first and God never let her go hungry. That morning I decided to put my daughter first and God blessed me with time to spare!  Have faith and praise God!

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.  Mark 11:24