Morning Devotional

A week ago, I was exhausted after the service and yet I felt I had to do. As I got home and my mind was filled with "the dos" I thought of the song and message from Sunday. Slowwww down... my own words. and Doug's. through the Holy Spirit was convicting me. Hypocrite, "Slowww Down" breath and hear God. Let us be silent that we may hear the whisper of God, R. W. Emerson said in my ear. It was astounding how many things presented themselves in the matter of minutes. Things I forgot to do at church, things that needed to be done, Emails unanswered but at the same time my heart began to slow, my mind relaxed, the dos faded.

I thought of a story I was once told. Everyone has a backpack they carry in life. Some are heavy while some are light. They are filled with the burdens of life. Burdens that get there by our own hands, some are snuck in there by others, some just fall into the pack. These burdens can be past regrets, present concerns, fears about the future, worries about your children or your parents aging, school, those crying out for justice and the list is endless. Yet some of the backpacks while full are extremely light and others are heavy.

The heavy ones are the ones we carry alone, refusing to let go and ask for help while the lighter ones have found the peace that comes from hearing and practicing the words of Jesus. give everything and everyone to me. An invitation He gives to all people yet few takes advantage of it.

I sat there, opened my palms and said Lord, I am yours, take this from me today. And my muscles relaxed, my mind was quieted and I knew today I was to be in paradise. And I sat, fell asleep and woke as if a new day began. Then I heard voices and I got up and found some friends in my driveway, and a few minutes later my wife arrived and we visited. No cares no worries but fully refreshed. I was only asleep for 5 minutes but it felt like hours. That's God time happening as I let go.
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Jesus keeps repeating this invitation to me and to each of you. Start practicing letting go and see how minutes become hours and how your backpack, although full becomes very light. Trust, slowww down and God will bring clarity and peace.