Are You Too Committed?

Have you ever over committed yourself? Or been too committed? I know of a preacher who inadvertently agreed to preach two revivals at the same time. On his way to one location, he passed the other and saw his own name on the church marquee advertising that he was beginning a revival with them on that very day. How embarrassing!

From time-to-time, we take on so many commitments that we become frustrated and irritable–I know, it happens to me.

I recently read about a fellow who did just that. He said, “I was snapping at my wife and our children, choking down my food at mealtimes, and feeling irritated at those unexpected interruptions through the day.” He went on to say, “Before long, things around our home started reflecting the pattern of my hurry-up style.” He described how he remembered a particular supper one evening when his daughter needed to discuss something with him that happened at school. Here’s how it went:

She began hurriedly, “Daddy, I wanna tell you somethin’ and I’ll tell you really fast.” Suddenly realizing her frustration, I answered, “Honey, you can tell me–and you don’t have to tell me really fast. Say it slowly.” I’ll never forget her answer: “Then listen slowly.”

Kids really have a way of hitting us right where we live don’t they?

Sometimes, one of the most difficult words to say is “no.”

Listen, Jesus teaches a valuable lesson about overextending ourselves. He says, sometimes you need to pause and take time for yourself–a time for renewal. Remember these words? “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat” (Mk. 6:31).

Perhaps you need to find your “desert place,” and go there to regroup.

Don’t be like one guy I know, who says if I’m relaxing I feel guilty–like I’m wasting time. Rather, take to heart the fact that Jesus says a little alone time is a good thing.

I hope you have a terrific day!

–Neil Richey