Many centuries ago, our Christian forefathers spent many hours developing the sense of God's presence, trying to understand how the spirit was leading and what they might do as servants of Jesus Christ. Hours of prayer and discussion were easily set aside for these endeavors. Time was of little concern in a world where the pace of life followed the seasons. Waiting a week, a month or several years did not weigh on them. I have often wondered how to slow down my day or life and spend hours searching for an understanding of God's will and ways. Although we say we want more of God in our lives, I find myself questioning where God will fit into my agenda and day timer. Are we too busy for God?
The world has certainly changed, and we have adapted to the frenetic, hurried, demanding 24/7 schedules. We have adapted, but I'm not sure that was the way we were made. Has God changed to adapt to our world and schedules? Is God in a hurry like we are? The Psalmist says "Be still and know that I am God." (Ps. 46:10) Can I be still quickly?
Our busy, busy world is not geared to the spiritual life and the disciplines of reflection, prayer, meditation, and repentance. And yet somehow in this busy world we have to find time for rest, restoration, healing, and presence, which are the fruits of a spiritual life.
You can still be busy and have a spiritual life that is growing and connects you the spirit. We simply need to think about spirituality in some different ways. Here are some ideas for a spiritual life in a 24/7 world.
Turn off noise makers, like radios, the television, and Ipods. We are bombarded with noise. This last winter I stepped outside when it was snowing and could hear the silence. We receive so much input that we do not have time to process it. Simply cutting out the background noise and input helps us step away from the busyness. When you are in your car, leave the music and radio off. You will be amazed at what you discover and how much less stress is present. If you are really brave, turn off your cell phone for a couple of hours every day. Who knows, maybe you will hear the "still small whisper."
Be kind. An insurance commercial shows people doing simple and easy acts of kindness, which lead to more acts of kindness. The care and concern grows without one ever speaking a word. Kindness is spiritual and it is very easy. A smile, a little helping hand, a little time helps others in ways that cannot be measured. It does wonders for our spirituality. It acknowledges the other without really knowing them. And it is right in line with what Jesus did to so many who just happened along his path. Kindness changes your whole being.
Join a community or group. Spirituality has moments of reflection and quiet. However, most spirituality emerges in fellowship and community. One of the byproducts of our electronic world is a growing sense of disconnect. People talk about being alone and isolated. This isolation is a great issue. Almost everyone I talk to knows of someone who is alone. We are made and programmed for community. For a deep spiritual experience, one needs a group or friends. Love is the element that binds us together. If we cannot join with others, how
do we nurture that love?
do we nurture that love?Be generous. You may not have time to go on a mission, pack boxes that are headed to the mission field, or join a group building a house, but you can participate with a gift. All mission efforts require funding. ideally one can both go and give to a mission. However, setting aside a week or ten days can be difficult. Your gift connects you to the mission field and empowers the mission. In some ways, you are paying someone else to do what you cannot. This is a bit like the early church collecting an offering to send Paul and Barnabas out to do what they were not free to do.
Spirituality is not as time consuming as we think. Small things and attitudes can create a rich spiritual experience. Spirituality is more available and easy than we believe. God waits for you!
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