It starts bright and early.
Hey Mom, is it hot or cold outside? Mommy, I’m hungry. Hey Mama, can I have a piece of gum? And can we adopt a polar bear from the Arctic? Mom, watch this! Mommy, have you seen my other shoe? Hey, uh, Mama? There’s a Lego stuck in my nose.
Everyone is looking for you.
I’ve always admired Jesus’ wisdom, but I appreciate His practicality. He told stories because that’s how people learn best. He summarized the entire Old Testament with a few simple words: love God, love people. He spoke with unrivaled power, but His actions have echoed throughout generations.
What’s more? Jesus knew the importance of getting alone with His Father.
“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’” (Mark 1:35-37)
I can certainly relate to this “everyone is looking for you” scenario. The kids are ready for breakfast. The husband needs my signing off on calendar dates. Lunches crave proper assembly. Tasks are desperate for attention. A project is poised for operation. The texts, the emails, and the to-do lists are silently lurking—like impatient trolls waiting hungrily under a bridge.
But even before everyone was looking for Jesus, He had already been looking to God.
If Jesus himself needed to carve out secluded moments to chat one-on-one with His Father, IT MUST BE ESSENTIAL FOR ME TOO.
Now, let’s not get all crazy and legalistic about the details. Personally, my days go better when my mind is fixed on God and Kingdom-minded things right out of the gate, but I’ve also had plenty of seasons where my “alone time” was at odd hours—like a lunch break or when a baby was napping or after all the kids were in bed.
It’s not as important when you seek God, but it is important that you seek God.
I love how The Message version says it:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Before we click on social media buttons. Before we pour milk into cereal bowls. Before we wipe mouths or countertops. Before we respond to clients or bosses. Before we let the daily flood of information soak into our souls.
Before everyone is looking for you, take a moment and look to Him first.
