Why Are You Scrambling?

Have you ever been struck by the words of a child?

I rushed around the kitchen getting bagels toasted and coated with cream cheese. Pants tumbled in the dryer, the iron was heating, and my hair was wet. Just another Sunday morning at my house. It was my son’s birthday, so the regular rush shifted to ultra speed as we scrambled to fit presents and a sit-down breakfast into our already busy schedule.

“Please say a prayer,” I hastily offered as I tossed plates of bagels in front of my two children. My five-year-old cleared her throat and began, “Thank you for this food and could You help us to get to church on time so we can worship You? Amen.”

I stopped in my tracks.

Just seconds earlier, I explained how much time the kids had to finish breakfast. Eight minutes. In eight minutes we needed to be leaving the house to get to church on time. My daughter wasn’t dressed. I wasn’t dressed. My husband was in the shower. I considered how I hated walking in after the Sunday School lesson had begun. I thought about how I wanted my son to get there on time so he could tell his teachers about his birthday. I hated for my daughter to be late, just in case she had chapel this week. It’s embarrassing walking her into chapel in the middle of a “Jesus Loves Me” chorus.

I had not considered how I needed to get to church on time so I could have more time to worship God.

But isn’t that what it’s all about? Shouldn’t everything we do ultimately bring Him glory? My daughter’s prayer caused me to stop and think about my motives – not just for getting to church on time but for all of my actions.

If what I’m choosing to do doesn’t bring glory to God, it isn’t worth my time.

I’m working on how to apply that truth to my own life. How about you? Why are you doing what you are doing? Is your end result simply to glorify the Father? Take some time to ask yourself why you are scrambling. And in the words of one wise beyond her years, “Help us get to church on time so we can worship You. Amen.”

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 108:5 NIV

6 Responses to Why Are You Scrambling?
  1. Nan C
    July 27, 2009 | 8:16 am

    Oh! This was so good this morning – just what I needed. If it doesn’t bring God glory, there really is is a waste of valuable precious time! Such a simple point, packed with life-changing results. THANK YOU!

  2. HisFireFly
    July 27, 2009 | 9:47 am

    Out of the mouths of babes He has ordained praise! What a wonderful reminder of what we are to consider important.

  3. John Driver
    July 27, 2009 | 12:36 pm

    How true is that statement. As Art Linkletter used to say, “Kids say the darndest things”. We could really learn something from what they say because after all they are the future of this great country.

  4. Summur Braley
    July 28, 2009 | 9:37 am

    Thank you for this devotion! Praise the Lord for our children. I feel like ever since I became a mother I understand a little more our Relationship to the Lord. God bless you and your family.

  5. Stephanie
    July 28, 2009 | 1:05 pm

    Oh the number of times my children have given me a heart check! Such a great reminder!

  6. Marj MCClendon
    July 29, 2009 | 9:07 am

    Thank You for this message. Sometimes we all forget…….me too…..God put this here for me to read today. Thank you and the Lord.