Of Work and Time

by James Whiteaker

I find myself with more things to do but with less time. Do you find yourself there as well? I see this in my son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. I see it in you. In the past I have remarked how impossible it seems to me that those of you with children to raise and support have time to do anything else. But I see your love for God and His church each time you are at the building or I hear of some deed you have done for another. There is so much that seems to take our time, the hustle to get to school, day care, work, meetings, school activities, practices, and yes, church. I have at times tried to reason that God will understand, as services are approaching, that I need to rest. I forget from where my strength comes ( Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.") I forget those that are most dear to me in the rush to accomplish another task ( Song of Solomon 4:10 "How fair is thy love, my sister, my bride! How much better is thy love than wine!") ( Psalm 127:3-5 "As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth, happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.")
And when as elders we hear that we have missed a visit or hurt someone in some way it breaks our hearts that we have failed you. We pray that you will forgive us and count it as human failings and not that of the church family. If it seems we add to your burden by having work to do at church or programs that need involvement, it is not because we want to cause you distress or burden you with guilt. There are many lost souls. There are many at church who need encouragement or help. There is much work to do ( John 4:35 "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white already unto harvest"). As David has said so often from the pulpit we only want you to find that work that will allow you to serve with gladness ( Psalm 100:2 "Serve Jehovah with gladness: Come before his presence with singing"). We want you to be lifted up by the fellowship of being shoulder to shoulder with your brothers and sisters as we labor for the Lord. We hope you do not give in to the lies of the devil. We hope you are happy at Mt Juliet. ( 1 Peter 2:17 "Love the brotherhood")
I meander through all this to say that I remember and struggle with that rush to get to church, to practices, to finish that project at work, or to make the next meeting. The elders remember that you serve Christ. We know the struggles you face. There is heaven in holding your children for a long time. There is joy in hugging your spouse for a long time. There is peace in knowing God. ( Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God").

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