Fast-forwarding Through Life - [Erik]

Paisley and I were talking this weekend about how the daily stuff of life has become something to, “get over with as soon as possible.” We’ve become very task oriented. The dishes, the laundry, the clutter, preparation of meals, washing the car, getting the kids bathed and in bed…all these things are in the way. In the way of what, I’m not sure. But they must be done, and done efficiently so we can get on with it (whatever “it” is).

This mindset is like committing suicide little by little over the course of a lifetime. It’s a disdain for life. I’m afraid we’re on the way toward getting to the end of it all, looking back and asking, “What was that all about?” If we keep going the way we’re going, the answer will be, “I’m not sure, but we got it over with as soon as possible.”

It’s ironic that our family was asked to light the “Joy” candle in the Advent wreath at Church Sunday. All this efficiency doesn’t produce much joy. But we got through the service and out the door as soon as possible so we could get home and get the chores done as soon as possible. Paise had lots of stuff to do and a Christmas party to prepare for. I had yard work.

I was pulling weeds on the less-visible side of the house that I’ve neglected for months, when I sensed God whisper, “I’m here.” I told Him I was glad He reminded me. Then He said, “Look at the size of these weeds.” They had gotten so big, that they were easy to spot and remove. I could just grab them and yank them out of the ground…very efficient.

I saw this as a picture of how my inner life has been neglected. The results are obvious and the problem easy to identify. I’m not living, just killing time.

As I worked with Him in the yard, I got a taste of what all of life could be, communion with Him in the daily routine. Now if I could just get to consistently living that way as soon as possible.