The scriptures (Genesis) gave us a message when it says that You worked and then you rested so that we too would work hard and then refresh ourselves. What is the right balance for me? For us? It is exhilarating to be working on important projects, to be deemed important enough to travel the world and be away from family. We fly through time zones, we get by with no sleep. We accomplish a lot, but we pay a price. Is that what You want?
How do I define, maximizing performance? Do people get the wrong idea about my expectations because of the relentless pace that I keep? Should I give them positive vibes when they work through a weekend, or leave so late that there is no family time?
Help me to lead with humility. Our only model should be You, Lord.
Section 2, Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-15; MT 11:25-30
| Hebrew Scripture | New Testament |
| 1 There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.
2 A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. 6 A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 9 What profit have workers from their toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to mortals to be busied about. 11 God has made everything appropriate to its time, but has put the timeless* into their hearts so they cannot find out, from beginning to end, the work which God has done. 12 I recognized that there is nothing better than to rejoice and to do well during life. 13 Moreover, that all can eat and drink and enjoy the good of all their toil—this is a gift of God. 14 I recognized that whatever God does will endure forever; there is no adding to it, or taking from it. Thus has God done that he may be revered. 15 now is has already been; what is to be, already is: God retrieves what has gone by. Ecclesiastes 3 UCCB |
At that time Jesus said … “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.
26 Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” |
Section 3
You may wish to be silent for a few minutes.
Section 4
In your own words, in your own silence, speak to God.