“So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20

“Jesus tells a story about a wayward son. This son wastes his inheritance, finally comes to his senses, then stumbles home in utter defeat. We wouldn’t be surprised if his father launched into a big lecture at this point. But instead, the father runs to his son, hugs him, kisses him, and throws a huge party! This story offers encouragement to all of us who need “quality time” with God. God is in charge of the universe, but never too busy for us. Just as a parent hovers adoringly over a sleeping child, God stays in our midst. No matter how long we are absent or distracted or just plain rebellious, God greets us with nothing less than unbridled joy.” (Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Kindle Edition.)

Quality Time With God

“God is in charge of the universe, but never too busy for us.”

We need to remember that sentence every day of our lives – G-d is not too busy to listen to our prayers. All too often we get to be so busy with our chores and tasks and “to-do” lists that G-d gets whatever time we have left – and often that time is not “quality” time. I know it is hard to set aside time for family and for home chores, etc – but just like we work hard to keep our homes nice and our kids close to us, we also need to work hard on our relationship with G-d. After all, if G-d is never too busy for us, then why do we allow our “over-scheduled” lives to allow us to be too busy for G-d?

Let’s start today with making more time for G-d. Let’s not just approach G-d when the wheels are falling off our lives. Why not start today with making time for G-d – perhaps that change may keep at least one of our wheels attached when all else is falling off.

Let us pray,

God of quality time, there never seems to be enough time – time is not always on my side. I know I need to spend more quality time with you. I pray for your love and understanding, especially when I am pressed for time. Perhaps next time I will have more time. Amen.

Pastor Dave