In my Bible curriculum for my students there is a section at the beginning of each lesson titled "Teacher's Heart".
The one for lesson 2 reminded me of something that GOD has been teaching me over the last year while being away from friends and family. Spending a year away and alone with HIM. And something that is important to me presently, something about having balance. Finding the time, by taking hold of or making the most of each moment GOD gives us daily. Seizing those moments to meet the RISEN CHRIST in. Some days and weeks that almost seems like a chore as well. Anyways, here is what it said:
Teacher's Heart: As busy teachers, we find it easy to spend nearly every waking hour thinking, planning, and doing for our students. Most of the time this is unintentional; we simply come to the end of the day and realize that we've no time left for ourselves, our family, or even the Lord. Take a moment to evaluate your growth in the four areas mentioned above. Are you taking time (or making time!) to care for your physical body- the temple of the Holy Spirit? Do you make an effort to learn things that you really want to learn (putting professional in-services aside)? Do you take time for (Are you ready for this?) fun with family and friends? Most of all, are you making time for God on a daily basis? Since we minister from the overflow of all that God gives us we need to realize that any effort expended in these areas adds to our teaching, not detracts from it. As Martha learned in John 12, "being" is as important as "doing."
I think you could put anything in there in place of teaching, like where it says: "...we need to realize that any effort expended in these areas adds to our LIFE, not detracts from it." I think all of us find at times, no matter what our occupation, that there is no time left at the end of a day for ourselves, our family (community), or even the LORD. Yet, if we find the time, or better yet, take the time it adds to our life and doesn't detract from it.
It has taken me a LONG while to get a balance in my life, and I am still working on it. I know presently that I NEED to take time to work out, have a quiet time, read, and spend time in community with others on a daily basis along with teaching.
But I wonder how often we pass up taking, actually making the time to just "BE" and not worry about the "DOING" or about not having enough time?
This started as my online journal of the journey GOD was taking me on to teach in Seoul, South Korea and now continues with where HE is leading me after there. My goal in life is to have my life reflect Christ, sometimes without ever even having to say a word. After all, the best gift we have to share is who HE has created us to be.
"Lord... give me the gift of faith to be renewed and shared with others each day. Teach me to live this moment only, looking neither to the past with regret, nor the future with apprehension. Let love be my aim and my life a prayer." ~Roseann Alexander-Isham
3 comments:
Hello from Jacksonville! It has been awhile since I have written...dont have much internet/computer access anymore, but hopefully that will change soon. I appreciate so much you keeping me "in the know" about all your trips, jobs, etc. Even if I am not responding, I am truly blessed by your emails.
I just had to respond to this one, however. God has given you revelation on a major plot the enemy has been very successful with against the body of Christ. One of his best weapons against us is keeping us so "busy" we do not "have time" to be in the Word and in Gods presence. If he can keep us from our TWO way communication with our Father, then he knows our relationship will not be as strong as it needs to be and he will have a better chance of getting us out of Gods will/plan for our life. Oh Kimie, I pray everyone you sent this TIMELY message to will hear and heed its warning! We ARE in the last days and it is so important that we "forsake not the assembling of ourselves"...this means both in a church service but also in our homes, small groups and one on one friendships! I agree, it does take effort, time management and sacrifice to allow time for the NEEDFUL THINGS and people in our lives...but oh the joy that comes from being obedient!
My prayers and love are with you my dear sister....I know our Father will CONTINUE to bless you richly!
Many blessings
Ginger B
(Formerly of Boys Hope)
Very well put. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's given me something to think about!
Blessings,
Rachel
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