When we were in the US (right before we moved here to Brazil) I remember saying, “man, I can’t wait to get to Brazil so that I can spend more time with God, spend more time with my family and actually take a deep breathe every once in a while.” That’s what I said and that’s what I was believing was magically going to happen as soon as we stepped foot on Brazilian soil. I mean, everything is soooo laid back in Brazil. They don’t have the hectic pace that we have in the US, they don’t have all the distractions that we have in the US, there’s no “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality, and the list could go on and on.
We had been on the pastoral staff at a thriving church in Atlanta for almost 10 years and we were constantly on the go. There was always something going on at the church and 9 times out of 10 Me and MJ were there organizing and running the event. And if we weren’t there running the event, then we were there to support the people who were. We loved what we did but there was never enough time for family and even though we found time to spend with God we always wanted more. So moving to a culture that was more relaxed seemed like it was going to be a great change of pace for our family.
Well, we’ve been here for over 11 months now and guess what? Different country- same situation! And you know why? Because WE are here. Not spending enough time with God, not spending enough time with family and not relaxing enough is a product of us, not the culture we live in. Sure, there are times and seasons in everyone’s lives where things are super busy but most of the time that’s just an excuse to keep doing exactly what we want to do.
There’s something I heard a long time ago that’s always stuck with me. I can’t remember who said it... but they said, “you ALWAYS find the time for the things that are the most important to you.” So if I REALLY wanted to spend more time with God, or more time with my family, or more time just relaxing, or more time exercising (never actually said that one, it just sounded good)... I just need to do it and quit thinking that it’s gonna change any other way than- “just doing it!” And there’s always stuff in our lives that we can eliminate to make time for what we want to do if we really want to. And we don’t have to start at the beginning of the month, or the beginning of the week or at the beginning of the New Year. The time to start is right now, today.
And, more than all the ‘natural’ or ‘physical’ things we want to change in our lives, when it comes to the things of God, we’ve got to do it now. People’s lives are depending on it. Is there anything that you’ve been saying that you wanted to change or start doing but keep waiting for “just the right time?” Is there something that God has asked you to do but you’re waiting for everything to supernaturally line-up perfectly before you actually do it? Well guess what? It never will and you never will if that’s the case. It’s gonna take a step of faith and the determination to follow through in His strength. So, what are you waiting for? because it’s time.
Have a Great Weekend!
Jim
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