Take time out for God

Take time out for God

You've had a long day. Everyone was loud at school or your babysitter's house, and you just want to be alone and quiet for a while.

But everyone is bothering you! Your sister wants to play; your mom says to clean your room. Why won't they leave you alone?

Jesus would understand how you feel. He could never seem to find time to be alone, without people bothering Him. In this week's Gospel (Mark 1:29-39), we hear about it.

Jesus went to Simon and Andrew's house, where their mother was sick. He took her hand, and she was well again. Then everyone in town who was sick came to Jesus, and He healed them all. Jesus went out alone to pray, but His followers told Him, "Everyone is looking for you." Jesus said, "Let's go to other towns, so I can teach there." He and His disciples traveled all over, and Jesus taught and healed the sick everywhere He went.

When you're tired and wish people would stop bothering you, you probably want to do something quiet. Maybe you feel like coloring; maybe you just want to take a nap. After Jesus spent a long day teaching about God and healing their sicknesses, He wanted some time alone, too, to talk to His Father in heaven.

Sometimes, no matter how hard your day has been, there's always more to do: set the table, watch your sister, wash the dishes. In the Gospel story, Jesus had the same problem. He spent a whole day healing people, and they still wouldn't leave Him alone! He was tired, too, but He knew He had more work to do.

If you need to be alone for a while, tell someone. If your mom knows you're tired, she might keep your sister away or ask her to set the table. Then, when you're ready, you'll be in a better mood.

Jesus knew when to do as He was asked, and when to ask for what He needed: After He was done in one town, He went off and prayed for a while before He started teaching again. Then He was ready to go to a new town and help everyone there. For Jesus, a "time out" with God was just as important as His work with people!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me to take a "time out" when I need one, so I'll feel better when I'm done! Amen.

(02-06-97)

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