The Gift of Time
Summer Sklepik / Next Gen Ministry Assistant
For two years, I lived and worked in a ministry that was very go-go-go ALL the time. It was not unusual for me to work 8-10 days straight, for around 11-15 hours per day. It was quite difficult to find time to think of anything other than moving the ministry forward, let alone sitting quietly with the Father. I knew the work I was doing was for His kingdom, but I personally struggled to maintain my relationship with the Lord due to the hustle and bustle of my lifestyle.
Recently, since moving away from that environment, I have had to adjust to “normal” life. Because of being in a time-consuming, fast-paced atmosphere for so long, I had a bit of a hard time getting used to it. You mean, I now have the time to see family and friends more often, work normal hours, have consistent days off, and have time for hobbies? That feels … wrong.
I found myself reaching and trying to grasp onto anything to keep myself busy, and even, kind of ironically, getting frustrated and overwhelmed because I felt like I wasn’t doing enough that was meaningful, for others or for God. My husband had to remind me that we no longer live that lifestyle and that is a blessing. It is okay that I am not draining every ounce of my time and energy every hour of every day. It is good that I have time to rest with the Father and seek His face. This gave me peace.
God pulled us out of that space exactly when we needed it most. In all seasons, we need to make time to seek the Lord and spend time in His Word and in prayer. However, in this new season we are in, God has gifted me more time to be intentional with Him and has given me the opportunity to really lean into the new roles He has called me into this year; being a wife and a mother! And for that, I am eternally grateful!
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16