In trying to find an answer to this problem, the preacher made him take off his backpack to see what he was carrying with him....then one by one, he pulled things out of the backpack.
His cell phone, computer, e-mail, extra hours at the office, extra servings of ice cream, golfing every weekend, attending every college football game, four hours of TV each day, having the most expensive car in the parking lot.... he went on and on pulling things out of the backpack, which made the back pack lighter and lighter and easier to run with.
The point was clear. We cant effectively run the race that God has assigned for us to run when we are so distracted and weighed down by other things, not bad things, but things God did not assign us to do.
Then came the challenge.... Pick one thing that is taking up a lot of your time and lay it down for one week.
This week, I am laying down the computer (except for business and Women's Ministry use). No blog, no personal e-mail, no shopping.... no reading the daily updates of The Young and The Restless.
Instead, I am going to spend more time in the word and I am going to have the happiest dog in town by walking him extra laps around the block, and I am going to make home made bread to bring to a sick friend for dinner... OK .... maybe not the home-made bread part.
See you next week!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 (New Living Translation)
5 comments:
Good for you, Bobbie!! What a powerful word picture. I've debated this with myself numerous times over the last several months and just when I think "okay, I'm gonna do it" something comes up that I want to blog about ~ or I get specifically asked to write about something (I'm hosting Living Well this week and next!). I know it's weighing me down though. Right now, I'm still trying to cut back on other things, like watching TV, to continue making time for it, but I dunno. I should probably just give it up cold turkey for a week or two, myself.
What a powerful story... So true!! That is how I feel when I am in the middle of the school year. Summertime is a time for me to lay aside some things and it is wonderful. May we never forget to lay down our "packs" of stuff to get closer to Him.
Good Morning!
Just checking in to see how you're doing!
Have a great weekend,
Suzie ;)
I have a surprise for you on my blog. Stop by when you get the time and check it out.
Blessings,
Darlene
Hi Bobbie, what a great reminder!
Thanks for that. I recently did it, laying down one area of service which I loved- in the decor dept at my church, to pick up another- pastoral care (facilitation of a marriage course.) Oh how I would have loved to continue to run with both, but it would have compromised my ability to continue to care for my other responsibilities, such as family and work! It's a good lesson to learn- and one that, as we continue do do it, makes us more fruitful!
I hope you really enjoy your quieter week!
Blessings, Juliet.
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