Reflections from the Rev.

“A lesson from Aiden.”

March 2016

As we enter the of Lent season it is easy to look at the calendar and see just how busy it is here at First Church…. Sundays are busy with Sunday school, morning worship, and evening classes for new members that will join the church in April. Looking at the calendar again… busy… busy…busy... work-school-kids music practice- kids athletic practice- PTA meetings- doctor’s appointments etc. etc. We are constantly investing our time, energy, and commitment into “things” and “activities. It’s not a bad thing! However, when “things” begin to become our focus, rather than the people around us… that can become problematic.

Just a few weeks ago our oldest son Aiden helped teach me a valuable lesson. I took my laptop home from the office to work on something. While I was sitting at the dining room table, typing away, Aiden came up to me and said, “Look what I got daddy, a T-Rex,” as he proudly held it up for me to see. My response of course was, “Oh, that’s nice buddy,” without even looking at him. A few minutes later he came back, “Daddy… please come play with me.” My heart melted… I had to put the work away and go play with my boy….

In sharing this story, I cannot help but reflect on our reading from a few Sunday’s ago. Jesus tells us in the gospel of Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What do you treasure?? What is precious for you?? For some people it may be money… but let’s look at it another way… What is the most valuable and limited asset that you possess? How about your time? Our time highly is highly valuable because it is a limited asset. It seems to me that our schedules can sometimes hinder us… they make us invest our time in things… when what we should really be doing is investing our time in people…

The most valuable thing you can give to the Lord- to your spouse- to your children- to your friends- to your loved ones IS NOT money (yes money is nice) but it is a piece of your limited time on this earth. Take time to be with the ones you love- slow down- be willing to compromise that schedule whenever possible to spend just one more minute of playtime with your child… to call your grandma once a week… or to volunteer at the local food pantry. In this Lenten season… a season of prayer-meditation-giving- and self-reflection I would like to invite you to prayerfully consider the following; “What do I treasure?” “Is there any time I am wasting that I could be spending with those I love or for service to others?” Jesus help us to prioritize. Help us to utilize our time wisely. Help us, to show your love- and to experience the love of self and others, through the investment of our time… In your name we pray… Amen