Relationships Take Time And Energy

I could very well be all wrong, but the one thing we all crave -- indeed need -- is to be listened to.  We like it when  others pay attention to us -- and attempt to understand what we think and feel.  On the other hand, it is also important that we not only share with others our interests and thoughts but also our space -- our presence -- our ears and eyes to listen to them.  To care about their thoughts and feelings.   Yada, yada, yada!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have all been made aware, at not time or another, of the psychological dynamic of relationships -- the process of giving and taking, listening, hearing, speaking and sharing.

I invite you today to think about your most precious relationship.  I want you to think about how that relationship would be without your attention to the process I mention above.  Without giving and taking of time, the giving and taking of our ears and our hearts.  Without that careful attention that precious relationship would soon die.

Now I invite you to think about your relationship with God. Think about how your relationship with God can remain strong and active without the giving and taking of your time, your ears, your heart. Now, I want you to remember that God never leaves us  -- is always with us.  That is the promise down through history! And I  believe that God is always waiting for us to be apart of an active and growing relationship with him.  But here is the glitch!  We  can be with -- in someones presence -- and not have a relationship with them. 

When Jesus was in the throws of full time ministry.  When his days and nights were filled with teaching, healing and casting out demons he would often go away, from the masses, to a quiet place to be alone with God.

The next morning Jesus awoke before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray. (read the longer story below) 

In my imagination it was at these times that Jesus would listened and talked to God.  There in those quiet time he must have been reminded that God was in charge of his living -- his doing.  Reminded that God was his source of life, his source of wisdom, his source of power to heal and speak.

I can't help but think that It would be wise for all of us to made a space in our busy schedule to renew -- to enter into the process of sustaining the relationship between ourselves and God.  One doesn’t necessarily have go to a quiet place and sit still to do this.  Driving is good, walking it good, biking is better.  

Just take time!  It is worth it!

31 He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. 

32 They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. 

33 In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 

34"Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." 

35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. 

36 They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, "What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!" 

37 And a report about him began to reach every place in the region. 

38 After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. 

39 Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. 

40 As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. 

41 Demons also came out of many, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah. 

The next morning Jesus awoke before daybreak and went out alone to a deserted place to pray.  (Lk. 4:31-42)