A Time For Everything...by Janet Perez Eckles

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3, NIV)

Why are we misguided in our journey to serve the Lord?

We think that busyness equals a blessed life. Or activities please God's command to serve Him. I had a revelation recently. I'd been having one of those seasons where my plate was overflowing with tasks. Some were falling through the cracks, and balancing all of them got to be nearly impossible.

Saturday was going to be my catch-up day...that is, until my brother and his wife, who were visiting us from another state, suggested a trip to the beach.

I love my brother with all my heart and adore my sister-in-law. So I grabbed my beach bag, threw in my towel, water bottle and suntan lotion, then put on my hat.

"I'm ready," I said.

We all climbed into the car. And while riding in the back seat, all of the "yet-to-be-done" tasks filled my mind. With guilt sitting beside me, I carried stress on my lap.

But when my feet sank in the hot sand, all changed. I decided I'd indulge in this unexpected getaway. I spread my towel of gratitude, and with each swoosh of the ocean waves, it seemed God was whispering:

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, AMP)

I said a silent, "Thank you," for God had sent this time under heaven for a reason. My mind slowed down enough to assess my crazy life.

I had been so mistaken in dashing through my busy days, thinking I was being a good servant and a responsible steward of the time God had given me. But I'd forgotten there is indeed a time for everything, including relaxing, receiving sunrays to calm the heart, and still waters to restore the soul.