It is
becoming all the more evident to me that I may never experience a prolonged
season of being well rested. As one busy season closes out its calendar, it
seems another equally hectic chapter of life begins. It has been this way in
our family for a while now, and there are no signs of much changing on the
horizon. It seems there is always plenty to do and much more that needs done.
However, I say this not as a complaint, but rather to rejoice in the sweet
awakening that is taking place within my heart. For accompanying this awareness
of our perpetual busyness is the gracious call to consider our days and how
they might best be spent.
Maybe
you can resonate with this kind of chaotic pace of life. Then again, perhaps
this is not how you would describe your season at all. For the folks in each
camp and the many others that fluctuate between the two, may I encourage you to
contemplate a question with me today: What
will we do with our limited days ahead?
If we
are to be exhausted, tired, and completely give out by week’s end, wouldn’t it
be nice to know our energy was expended wisely? Wouldn’t it be a comfort to
know our lives are given for things that matter; for endeavors that carry
eternal value? Now let me clarify lest this challenge be misunderstood as more religious
activity for the sake of a clear conscience. I’m not at all suggesting mere
service to alleviate one’s guilt. In no way am I endorsing the writing of checks
that cannot be cashed within a healthily balanced life. In fact, I’m not saying
one should do more or less either way. I’m actually intentionally being vague as
to avoid mentioning any specific deeds or methods so that you, the reader, can
fill in the appropriate blanks. I’m simply asking this: What shall our lives be spent on?
The
grind of being worn out beyond our capacity can do a beautiful thing within our
souls. For in our frailty and fatigue, in our weary weakness, we’re reminded
that we must rely on God for strength. We remember that our time on earth is
like a mist. We are only here but for a moment. We again realize that all our
striving outside of Christ is futile and meaningless. Fulfillment and rest are
found in Him alone. So as we ponder this together, might we evaluate the
following: What will gently force us to cling
to our Savior? What pursuits will ultimately get us more of Him? How can we
make much of Him and point others to this King of Glory?
If we
have more time and energy than we know what to do with, perhaps we might
consider our surplus of resources and seek the Lord for direction in how it should be spent…
And yet if we are of the wiped-out and ragged variety, may it not be in vain. I
pray we might experience a holy exhaustion from willfully submitting to the
sovereign hands of our Almighty God. Friends, may we run in such a way that our
desperate need of grace is ever before us and if we are to be completely wrung
out, may it be done through the hope of the gospel for the sake of the gospel.
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| Matt Fowler Family Pastor of High School |
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