Grin with Kathy

Warning: Illegal string offset 'class' in /home/debdearm/public_html/mypurposenow.org/wp-content/themes/MyCuisine/epanel/custom_functions.php on line 111

Warning: Illegal string offset 'alt' in /home/debdearm/public_html/mypurposenow.org/wp-content/themes/MyCuisine/epanel/custom_functions.php on line 112

Warning: Illegal string offset 'title' in /home/debdearm/public_html/mypurposenow.org/wp-content/themes/MyCuisine/epanel/custom_functions.php on line 113

Monthly Humor Column by Kathy Carlton Willis—

Time Out!

“Mister, I need to GO,” whined Jimmy as he tugged on the ref’s pant-leg.

“Okay, go tell your coach to call a time out for your team,” said the referee.

“No, Mister, I need to go NOW!” pleaded Jimmy. What could the ref do, but send Jimmy to the restroom, while calling a time out. They were only second grade, don’t you know!

There are times when we all need to take a time out. Sometimes, it is a gradual building up of pressure that screams we need a break. Other times, it’s an urgent warning that we need to stop everything right NOW and take a time out!

A story is told of a man and woman who challenged each other to split wood for eight hours, and at the end of the time, see who had the largest woodpile. Every hour the woman took a break. The man went nonstop, thinking the extra time would amount to a larger woodpile. To him, it meant easy victory. At eight hours, there was only one obvious winner. The woman’s woodpile was much larger. The man asked, “How can this be? I worked the entire time, while you took a break every hour.” The woman responded, “I used that time to sharpen the ax!”

We each need to take time to sharpen our proverbial axes. What should we do, when we take a break from our everyday busyness? First, think of the word break spelled as B-R-A-K-E. Stop what you are doing; put the brakes on. When we slow down, we create an inner quietness, which allows us to hear God’s still small voice more clearly. Through Him we find the peace we can’t seem to find anywhere else. We relax, allowing our physical and emotional wellbeing to rejuvenate and reenergize. As one commercial so aptly put it, “Calgon take me away!”

The Bible sets up a time for spiritual renewal. In the Old Testament that time was called the Sabbath. Many New Testament Christians set aside time for the Lord the first day of the week. Unfortunately, because of our busy workweeks, Sunday becomes the only day to complete chores and errands, and it is no longer a day of rest. It’s the catch-all catch-up day.

Are you feeling an urgent need to leave the playing field of Life for a break? Simply ask for a time out. It’s not just for ballgames or errant children. It can be yours today!

And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” – Exodus 33:14 (ESV)

 

 

 

_____________________________________________________________________________

Kathy Carlton Willis: Kathy writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom. Not many funny girls also have Bible degrees! As a pastor’s wife, she has plenty of material for her new Grin with Kathy column at MPN. She has four books coming out in the next couple of years: Speaker to Speaker, Grin with Grace, Grin with Joy, and Grin with Peace. She’s affiliated with several Christian writer and speaker organizations and serves as a consultant for others in the publishing industry. Kathy anticipates great things for her 50s (despite the menopause monster), and is pursuing God’s goals with gusto as she dives in to this glorious decade. Kathy’s tagline captures her essence: Light & Lively: His Reflection/Her Laughter. Learn more about Kathy at: www.kathycarltonwillis.com/