We just finished up an intense season where I work. I work at a Church and depending on the time of the year, it can get really busy at times. Take Easter, for example, we double our service times, double our number of attendees, double our hours worked, it can be a lot.
While running around and checking off my task list I began to realize something. The busier and more focused on work I got, the more I began to step away from the root of the whole purpose of the season. The busier I got and the harder I worked, the further I got from dwelling in God’s presence throughout the week.
Something I notice while reading scripture is how quickly everyone seems to be moving when they’re around Jesus. But are they really moving that quick, or is Jesus just moving slowly?
Matthew 8:23-36 says, 23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”
I can’t help but imagine what this looks like in real life. Often when this story is told we’re so quick to look at the disciples and their lack of faith… but c’mon, would you have acted any differently?
I look at this story and think, if everyone is about to die due to a storm, I’d be freaking out a little too. But what does Jesus do? He calms the storm. Jesus slowly gets up and fixes everything.
I try to think of this story when I am in a busy season. When I’m running around, moving boxes, calling vendors, and getting the building ready for the storm I try to remember where Jesus can be found.
My reaction is often like the disciples, “Jesus! I need help!!” But I wonder, how often the answer is to take a minute and go sit with him under the ship.
What would happen if you decided to proactively slow down and rest with Jesus? Jesus is resting down underneath the boat, he’s praying in the garden, he’s walking from town to town while you’re sprinting. The catch is, he’s been inviting you to walk alongside him this whole time, will you join him?
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