You.

Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat. Jesus said to his disciples, come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. Mark six, verse 31 I walked out of a bookstore the other day and paused momentarily at the entrance. Just before stepping off the curb and heading to my car, a shadow flashed across the pavement in front of me. An instant later, I heard a series of splats following the course of the shadow bird bombs, straping the very path in which I was about to walk and landing dead center on what appeared to be a newlywashed car. Let me put this near miss into perspective. I am usually in a hurry to get everywhere. It's like I'm on a mission that no one knows about, not even me. To pause, even briefly as I leave a store is not my typical pattern, but had I not done so that day, I would have been collateral damage of a top gun seagull. Some might claim that I was being protected by an angel. Others claim it was just dumb luck or a mere coincidence. I don't really care, but I'm certainly glad I didn't need to run home to change my shirt. Hustling through every day at breakneck speed can put us in harm's way. Most of the time, we would be better off to slow our roll and pause to smell some roses. It's either that or wear a hat and watch your head and where you step. Jesus'disciples worked hard at their tasks, and Jesus knew that they couldn't keep up such a pace for long without losing their patience and their minds. He mandated that they slow down some and rest from time to time. That lesson should not be lost on us all. Work and no play is not a healthy habit. Today would be a good day to put this lesson into practice instead of running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Take a breath, take your time, and don't be in such a toot to get everything done. The world won't stop spinning if you slow down long enough to let your brain and your body enjoy what God has placed all around you.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to [email protected] have a great day, and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.