Smart Enough to Stop

My daughter Abbi and son-in-law Brennyn recently blessed us with our 3^rd grandchild and second grandson – Micah Wade. It is a bit surreal and brings unspeakable joy to hold a child that came from your own child.

One thing that is great about being a grandparent (my grandfather name is “Poppy”) is that you tend to be more present with your grandkids and take time to do the things that they want to do. Recently, I found myself sitting in my backyard with my two year-old granddaughter Emme, and obeying her commands like “Sit here Poppy”, “Lay down Poppy”, and so on. Taking time to be fully present in relationships seems to be a lost art today.

When Jesus visited the home of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) these women acted very differently. Martha, being a good host, was busy preparing the meal and was irritated that her sister wasn’t helping. Mary on the other hand was just sitting and enjoying her relationship with Christ. It is instructive that Jesus commended Mary for stopping her day to do the “one thing” that was needed.

John Mark Comer, in his book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry encourages us to practice the Hebrew word “shabbat” which means “to stop.” This word can also mean “to delight in” and is where we get the word Sabbath. My encouragement to you (and to me) is to take the time to stop, listen, engage, and enjoy the many relationships that God has given us.

So, busy parents, take time to stop for your kids, your spouse, and for God. In doing so, we will receive delight over distraction, clarity over confusion, margin over busyness, contentment over worry, and love over isolation.

David Landis, Superintendent