Switching off
by Colleen Fitzpatrick
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At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place (Luke 4:42a).
Read Luke 4:38–44
These certainly seem like busy times for Jesus. It’s the third day in a row that we have read about Jesus healing people. He has done some amazing things – casting out spirits, healing people of a range of illnesses, teaching crowds of people, being driven out of town. And remember, he is truly human and truly divine.
Today, he’s taking some time out. Such a human thing to do.
How often don’t we speak and hear the words ‘I’m so busy ….’? As an allegedly retired person, it’s not unusual to hear fellow retirees saying things like ‘I’ve never been busier’. I see our children and grandchildren hurtling from one activity to another. We are so busy doing things.
Have you thought about what it means to just be – not doing anything, just being? The psalmist says, ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10), which has been used as the basis for a reflective song featuring the words: ‘Be still and know that I am God; I am the Lord that healeth thee; Commit thy way unto the Lord’ (James Daniel, ‘Be still and know that I am God’, All Together Now, Lutheran Publishing House, Adelaide 1980).
Taking time to be rather than constantly doing things allows us to recharge our batteries, renew our energy and re-centre our thinking. We can reconnect with God and allow God’s spirit to fill our hearts and revive our flagging spirits. And what a bonus if that quiet time is taken in a place that is enhanced by God’s beautiful creation, and time is allowed to just be in God’s presence.
Where is your solitary place? It’s not so easy to find such places in these days of internet access and mobile phones. In fact, FOMO (fear of missing out) is now a recognised ‘thing’. I wonder whether our enforced busyness and distraction by our modern devices is causing us to have less space in our hearts for hearing what God is saying to us. And, if you’ll pardon the pun, switching off is becoming more difficult.
Just a thought – maybe we can learn from Martin Luther, who allegedly said: ‘I have so much to do (today) that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.’
Healing Lord, when you were busiest, you took time out for rest and reflection. Help us to be able to switch off and to do the same. Amen.
Colleen has one husband, two daughters, three granddaughters and a wide range of extended family and friends. She lives in Adelaide and loves the way the various parts of her life intersect. Colleen is involved in numerous committees within the church and community. She loves to read. Colleen coordinates her congregation’s prayer group and is delighted to respond to requests for prayer from friends and family.
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