We're living in a busy world. A world of fast food and fast computers. We have instant coffee, express check outs, and jiffy lube oil changes. We're always in a hurry. We've got things to do, places to go, and people to see. What we want, we want now. Kind of like the fellow who prayed, "Lord, give me patience and give it today."

Perhaps America's rat race is summed up in I Kings 20:40, ""Busy here and there." We are busy here and there, aren't we? If you don't believe it, answer these questions: When was the last time....

o You made ice cream (the hand cranked kind)?
o You prayed for 15 uninterrupted minutes?
o You played board games with your family?
o You took a walk around your neighborhood?
o You stayed at home (not going anywhere) at least 3 nights in a week?
o You invited someone to your house for a Sunday lunch?
o You had a family devotion?
o You took a nap in a hammock?
o You read a book while soaking in a bath tub?
o You shared the gospel with a best friend?
o You shared coffee and conversation with your mate?
o You went to a secret place to meditate?

Many of us have not been involved in the above because "'we are just too busy". We don't have the time.

There's a verse in the book of Genesis that caught my attention recently. It was said of Isaac, ""He went to the field one evening to meditate" (Gen. 24:63). Many of us need to go to the fields. We need to stop and smell the roses. Slow down and consider what's really important in life.

Have you been (too) "'busy here and there?

-bv Keith Parker, Hendersonville, TN;
submitted bv Charles