Jesus seemed to have rich and full life. One might even say he was busy. But he was never out of control, never in a hurry. He maintained his pace and his poise through an ongoing conversation with his Father. He said:
- I only do the things I see my father doing… (John 5:19)
- I don’t do anything on my own… (John 5: 30)
- I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me… (John 6:38)
- I only say the things I see hear my Father saying… (John 12: 49, 50)
Jesus was alert to God and others. He noticed people—especially the least, the last, the left out and the marginalized. He naturally and organically pulled this off. He was never awkwardly self-conscious about it or affected in his speech or mannerisms.
How did he manage to do this? A rhythm of private prayer and public love—that is willing the good of, and working for the good of others.
Do you sometimes feel that your truest self and God are getting buried under the clutter of life? Ever wonder what can strip away day-to-day distractions, yielding to us a clearer picture of God and ourselves? Do what Jesus did: retreat from life in prayer for the sake of re-engaging with it with a clearer view. You have a point of view. I have a point of view. Jesus has view. He got it from his Father. We get it from him.
This week see if talking more to God can slow you down and make you more present to the people and events of your life.