More than time

Treasure your relationships, not your possessions. (Anthony J. D'Angelo)

D'Angelo also reminds us that 'without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community'. As important as our lives may seem at the moment, we must always include quality time for others. I have heard that term 'quality time' bantered around a bit in the 'counseling community', but to be entirely truthful with you, 'time' isn't the issue - 'investment of self' is the focus of any amount of time we spend together. This is especially true when it comes to our time with God - make him first in your 'time expenditures' each day and you will notice a huge difference in how you face the daily grind.

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

Our priorities can get a little out of hand at times. We don't make the things that should matter most all that high on our list of priorities, while making things that really won't matter in the long run our top ones. Whenever we get those things in the wrong order, we find ourselves out on our own a lot of the time. We aren't listening to the plans God has for our day - trudging ahead on our own. We aren't investing in filling our tank with his presence or peace - then get all wigged out when we are coming unglued as things aren't going as we planned that day. Notice that I did not say 'investing time' in filling our tank - it is more than time. It is being present on purpose, listening intently, and sharing with an open heart whatever is in our heart with the one who will help us make the most out of each day.

I treasure my relationships with others, but I treasure my relationship with Jesus above all others. I have a great relationship with my kids and grandchildren, and I treasure every moment we share together. I so greatly enjoy time with my BFF, not doing anything all that special, just hanging, taking a walk, sharing what's been going on since the last time we saw each other. Why do we treat our relationship with God any different than the ones we have on this earth? We 'get together' with our family and friends, so why would it be any different with God? If things seem a little 'strained' between you and God right now, it could just be that you have been giving him 'time', but not YOU. Just sayin!