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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Work (07/27/06)
"Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering."

Spoken by Winnie the Pooh

Work. Work. Work. We have so much to do. “I am busy” is a badge that we tend to wear with pride. We haven’t time to talk or help others because we have so much work to do.

I have been thinking how we tend to multi-task. (Especially women.) Whatever happened to being where you are? We have lost the ability to sit and rest and enjoy those around us. More importantly, we have lost the ability to sit and rest at the feet of Jesus. One of the things I often hear is, “I don’t have time.”

Several weeks ago, I challenged a friend who was travelling to soak in the atmosphere and the surroundings in which she found herself. I suggested she not look ahead to the next day or the next week, but to live in the moment. As I spoke this to my friend, the Holy Spirit convicted me and I realized I was not only talking to my friend, but also to myself.

Can I challenge myself to be where I am? How many things would I notice if I truly stopped and listened? How many deep joys, hurts and pleas for help would I hear behind what is spoken by others? Ouch. A slower pace needs to take place not only in my physical being, but also in my thoughts and emotions. In my spirit.

Recently we had several children sing songs in an inter-generational church service. (People of all ages taking part.) A little boy was watching what was going on and realized he was not taking part in anything. He eagerly told his mom he would like to sing a song for Jesus.

Thankfully, the mom had her ear tuned to the voice of her little boy and she slipped out of her seat and quietly asked the pastor if her child could sing for us before going to children’s church.

The pastor gave permission and we, as a congregation, had the privilege to hear a wobbly little voice sing "Jesus Loves Me".

Time. Stood. Still.

I realized the importance of the moment and could not stop the flow of tears. The desire to sing for Jesus was heard in the midst of the many voices. His off-key voice must have been beautiful to the audience of One. We listened to things we could not hear. We listened with our hearts.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Teach me God to listen with my heart. Speak, for your servant is listening. Would it be so that I not focus on doing work for you, but allow You to do a work in me. Then I will rest knowing whatever You call me to do, You will equip me in Your way and in Your time. It will be accomplished by Your power and strenght. Its, not about me God, it's all about You. Amen.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jen Davis
08/09/06
You have shared some wonderful advice in this article. Although I don't feel that I have lost the ability to rest, I do often need to be reminded to do so which you have just done so very well. I loved the little boy singing which very effectively illustrated your point. I also liked how you set apart "Time...", but I think it would be more effective as a short sentence. The following is so true: "How many...pleas for help would I hear." Also, to "Listen with my heart" is an important message. I really enjoyed reading this.