Taking Time

I have been out on the patio this morning with God, enjoying the sunshine, warm temperature and reading Frances Mayes’ memoir Every Day in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian Life.  I love her writing because it flows like a journal.  It isn’t a novel with defined chapters and a plot.  It’s life.  It’s taking back time from the would-be takers, the task-masters of work, appointments, the vicissitudes of daily life.  She writes of how Tuscany has taught her to take time.  I understand this.  I love this and have loved it ever since first traveling regularly to Europe, starting in my late 20’s.

I love that so many European cultures understand the art of taking time.  Time to be with neighbors.  Time with family and friends.  Time to garden or mend an old shirt.  Time to rest lazily in the summer sun with a favorite book.  Time for that cup of tea with a friend.  Time to share an evening in front of the fire.  Time.  Something so elusive and yet so necessary to joy in our daily existence.

We are so busy being busy that we don’t take time to notice all the little things going on around us.  All the little things that can be ever so important.  A child who needs a hug.  A mother who needs you to listen.  One of the most important things in life is simply this: pay attention.  Whether you know the individual or not, pay attention.  Tip the waitress heartily.  Pray for someone you don’t know – right there in the moment.  Just be present and love the one right in front of you.  That’s what Jesus did, and it changed the world.

Jesus told us that His food was to do the will of the Father and to finish His work.  Only by spending time with the Father was Jesus able to do this.  It is the very same for us.  He will give you immeasurably more than all for which you could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).  That’s a promise.  So take time today.  Take time for you.  Take time for those around you.  And most importantly, take time for Jesus…and enjoy!

Until next time…

John 4:34 (NKJV)

“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”