This week is rapidly turning into “one of those” weeks.
If I am brutally honest about it, I am beginning to feel a bit stressed at the moment. So much to do and so little time in which to do it. My normal, default mode, for times like this is to work longer and harder in order to fit it all in (and usually more besides as well). But, there is a problem and the problem is ME.
I find, at times like this, the more tired I become, the more grumpy I become. The more grumpy I become, the less I achieve. The less I achieve the harder I work to achieve less and so the cycle continues. Psychologists have a name for this it’s called “The Fountain Cycle of Stupidity” (okay I made that bit up – apologies to all psychologists out there!).
This morning, I came into the office extra early in order to get some work done and God spoke to me in an unusual way.
My daily habit, when I arrive at work, is to make a cup of tea and spend some time with the Bible and prayer. This morning, in such a rush, I grabbed my mug of tea and started work straight away. Oh, I didn’t mean to neglect the Bible or prayer – I just decided I will do that later.
The problem is, and I am sure I am not the only one, later never comes!
In my rush this morning I grabbed my mug, prepared my tea, slumped at the computer and stared at the blank screen. Nothing.
The screen was blank
I was blank
I could not think what to write.
I began to panic – I have two sermons to do!!! Why isn’t God giving me what I need when I need it?
I then noticed there was a message in the mug I had chosen it read (yes, that is my mug in the picture – disgusting isn’t it?)
Keep calm and drink more tea vicar
There was my answer. Stop…. Breathe…. Drink tea…. Bible…… Prayer
You see, if we want to hear what God is saying we have to make the space for Him to speak and I wasn’t doing that!
Jesus once said :-
Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. (Matthew 6 vs. 33)
Now, if you will excuse me, I have an idea for a sermon that needs to be written