I was recently at an indie movie theater where prior to the feature they showed a clip called Mister Rogers for Adults - Taking a Breath. A few people behind us began to laugh. I guess that’s a telling sign that the message was lost on them, but I realized that I often make the same mistake. As I was writing this post, I was also using my computer to check emails and a download software. As a result of the strenuous multi-tasking the computer froze. So I turned to the internet on my phone, but in the process my phone started acting funny so I had to reboot it as well. As I sat there waiting for either device to become usable I became frustrated that I had "nothing" to do. In that moment I remembered Mr. Rogers and took few deep breaths to regain my patience and joy in being still. Perhaps one day I’ll mature enough so that I won’t spend all my time trying to fill all my time.
I have been confronted with the phrase ”Be still and know that I am God.” As I was on a trip to Washington D.C. I was consumed by these words and I could not focus on the other things I needed to do until I ripped the artistic idea out of my head. However I didn’t have any of my art supplies. I ended up cutting out pieces of that morning’s edition of USA Today using the dull knife included in my fingernail clippers. They didn’t give a clean cut but it brought an extra element of daily stress to the collage. In the end I think using only what I had on hand really helped to clutter the image with the daily things that distract me. Not only the things, but also the words.
A more recent example hit me even harder. I was volunteering for my church’s annual community Easter egg hunt. My wife and I were leading the food table, making sure everyone at the event got a hot dog. After all was said and done, I was proud that I had accomplished impeccable service such that no one ever waited for food, but the next day I realized I hadn’t really talked to one single person beyond “Would you like a hot dog?” As Jesus had told Satan, “man does not live by bread alone (even when you fill it with meat), but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” How did I miss an opportunity to connect with people in need when I was volunteering at church? Doesn’t it all just fall into place when you’re in that holy building? Sometimes being at church provides a false sense of confidence that you are following God. I was so busy “serving” that I missed any opportunity to truly serve anyone.
If you can close your eyes for 30 seconds without falling asleep:
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