As this new year begins, there are quite a few changes. I do not have to return to school this semester, which is probably the biggest change. Because I spent so much time studying and reading and going to class, you would think I would have so much extra time. You might even think I would have so much free time I wouldn’t know what to do. I have already had many people ask what I was going to do with all my extra time. The interesting thing is that there isn’t much free time…and I’m not sure how I survived with all I had going on.
Last semester, I often thought of what I would do when I didn’t have to go to school. The only answer in my mind was…breathe. I can’t remember taking too many deep breaths in the last five years. My schedule was so overloaded that I really don’t even remember relaxing at all. Don’t get me wrong…it is not in my nature to relax too long. I have to be on the move, doing something. I loved what I did and wouldn’t change anything. My experience in Seminary has been priceless. But I had the desire to…just breathe.
I looked at my schedule yesterday and it is packed. I am doing things I wasn’t able to do when I was in school, but the calendar is still full. I thought to myself…how did this happen so soon? If I just had more time…or if I could just make the time to do what needs to be done…and…
And then I heard Jonny Diaz’s new song, “Breathe.” God has an interesting way of reaching us, doesn’t he? I have to learn to slow down and just breathe…rest at the feet of Jesus. His presence is in me…around me…if I will just take the time to…breathe. He can bring rest to my overstressed life if I will just let him. I don’t need more time. I don’t need to “make time” even if I could. Sometimes, I just need to stop, breathe, and listen to God speak…feel his presence…see his creation. May I learn to…breathe.
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 