Christmas is over. Is it the rush too?

Starting with the last week of November when we celebrate Thanksgiving,  we begin the seasonal rush when we have no rest, especially for those who are in charge of different parties, dramas, choral presentations as well as other events like family meals and reunions in addition to many other things. At this time there is usually more than one event every week in different places, not to mention visiting the different ornamental lightings, which require having the proper attire ready. And if we live in a place like Miami, we never know if it’s going to be freezing cold or burning hot so we need two dress alternatives. And if you are the woman of the household, you will have to find a moment to go and get your hair and nails done and everything else that is time consuming in order to have them ready for the occasions, in addition to making and revising the gift list and buying the gifts and food and then preparing the meals. But, how can we make time for so much? So much of it is wasted in traffic, finding a parking space or arguing about our rights that we miss our appointments and lose our patience. Oh Lord grant us your peace. . .and more time too!

This is something we’ve been struggling with for many years now. Many pastors preach about finding peace, especially during this season, but in reality this hectic pace is the life style we have chosen and we know it as Commercialism.

The rush seems never ending, especially when we remember our special dates and have many other things going on at the same time. If we have children and grandchildren we always have to deal with sickness, viruses and all their consequences in addition to everything else. Duty also will take our attention and we cannot get away from that due to our status; we do not want to feel like an extra terrestrial. That is why we are always anxious to do the right thing. And, what is that?  In the Bible, Lazarus and Mary’s sister, Martha was concerned about doing her duties when she asked Jesus: Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? And he answered: Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things (Luke 10:40-41) God also tells us: Do not worry about your life what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. (Matthew 6:25). Although many would say: “If I do not worry about things, who will? God has the answers, ask him. Many times we make plans to do things and all of a sudden there is an unannounced event, an accident, or something that changes all those plans. For some the changes will be of benefit, yet others will feel annoyed by the inconvenience. Paul, the apostle said: We know that all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28)  And, do the unexpected changes work to our benefit because we are better? Of course not! but rather because we as we read His Word and pray, we obtain his wisdom. If you are faithful in doing these things, even amidst the rush you will see how everything will change for the good.

Can we change the world to so that it understands this truth? That is impossible. Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? (Matthew 6:27) But God can do change us. There’s nothing impossible for him and perhaps the year 2012 will be the one of the change to begin living the will of God, and not the end of the world for death. Start the change with yourself and see everything differently. In our world the worrying rush will never ever end, but if you want to, you can do bring it under control for yourself:  Because you have kept my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. Listen!  I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. (Revelations 3: 10, 20)