Dodger: Hi there! Sorry we've been so long. I can't believe how time has flown, and boy, has it been busy. I can't believe the last time I had this much schoolwork!
Lilly: It has been a while. It's kept me from getting here on time, even. I'm swamped!
Dodger: You know, all of our busyness reminds me of something.
Lilly: What's that?
Dodger: Well, it's good to be industrious, but sometimes we need to take the time to slow down and take care of what's really important.
Lilly: Like what?
Dodger: Well, this time here, for example. We haven't seen our friend in two weeks because we've been moving so fast and doing so much! I don't know about you, but I think that saying we were too busy might be kind of weak, at least sometimes. It can be true sometimes, for sure, but I wouldn't want to use that excuse all the time, and lately I think I have been.
Lilly: That's true. We kind of already used it tonight. I'm actually a little embarrassed now.
Dodger: Oh no. That's not why I brought it up. I mentioned it because so often we let the hectic pace of our lives keep us from engaging in relationships with those we love.
Lilly: You mean homework ruins friendships?
Dodger: No, not at all. What I mean is that sometimes we get so wrapped up in what we "need" to do that we forget to take time to be with family, friends, and especially with God. Have you ever heard someone tell you they didn't have time to pray or read their Bible? Or have you ever been rushing to an event or something and had no real time to be with your family?
Lilly: I think I've said and done both.
Dodger: Me too. The truth though is that the first one is silly and the second needs to be done in moderation. You see, just because we have things to do doesn't mean we can't spend five minutes talking to God or reading something in His Word. God doesn't require long speeches; He just wants to be with us and have us involve Him in our lives everyday. Besides, we have more time than we think. I don't bring this up to create a sense of guilt, though. God and our families aren't just all angry because we may forget to do these things, and not doing them doesn't make us horrible people, but at the same time it's kind of hypocritical, for example, to say I don't have any time to read my Bible or hang out here, and then go spend the spare half-hour I do have on Pinterest or something.
Lilly: I see what you mean.
Dodger: It's true. I think it would be wise for us to slow down once in a while and spend time with family, friends, and God. That way we learn how to grow closer and even help each other in our busyness!
Lilly: There's actually a pretty good story about how busyness can keep us from remembering what's most important. Jesus was visiting a house and teaching. One sister who lived there named Mary listened to Jesus while the other sister Martha was trying to get things ready. I'll read you the story:
"Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42 NKJV)
Dodger: Often it's best to slow down, relax, and just listen to God. Other times it's good to just slow down and be with family. God always has time for us, so let's try to give our time to Him, and to those we love. Let's not let all the things that need to be done keep us from living in closeness with others and God.
Lilly: I agree. Well, I think I'd better go. My mom said she was trying a new Bible study book tonight, and I'd like to join her in it!
Dodger: That sounds like a good plan. I think I'll go talk to God for a while about how things have been. Thank you for coming and hanging out with us today! Remember, Jesus loves you, and that's not about to change!
Lilly: Take it easy!
(NKJV Means New King James Version)
Lilly: It has been a while. It's kept me from getting here on time, even. I'm swamped!
Dodger: You know, all of our busyness reminds me of something.
Lilly: What's that?
Dodger: Well, it's good to be industrious, but sometimes we need to take the time to slow down and take care of what's really important.
Lilly: Like what?
Dodger: Well, this time here, for example. We haven't seen our friend in two weeks because we've been moving so fast and doing so much! I don't know about you, but I think that saying we were too busy might be kind of weak, at least sometimes. It can be true sometimes, for sure, but I wouldn't want to use that excuse all the time, and lately I think I have been.
Lilly: That's true. We kind of already used it tonight. I'm actually a little embarrassed now.
Dodger: Oh no. That's not why I brought it up. I mentioned it because so often we let the hectic pace of our lives keep us from engaging in relationships with those we love.
Lilly: You mean homework ruins friendships?
Dodger: No, not at all. What I mean is that sometimes we get so wrapped up in what we "need" to do that we forget to take time to be with family, friends, and especially with God. Have you ever heard someone tell you they didn't have time to pray or read their Bible? Or have you ever been rushing to an event or something and had no real time to be with your family?
Lilly: I think I've said and done both.
Dodger: Me too. The truth though is that the first one is silly and the second needs to be done in moderation. You see, just because we have things to do doesn't mean we can't spend five minutes talking to God or reading something in His Word. God doesn't require long speeches; He just wants to be with us and have us involve Him in our lives everyday. Besides, we have more time than we think. I don't bring this up to create a sense of guilt, though. God and our families aren't just all angry because we may forget to do these things, and not doing them doesn't make us horrible people, but at the same time it's kind of hypocritical, for example, to say I don't have any time to read my Bible or hang out here, and then go spend the spare half-hour I do have on Pinterest or something.
Lilly: I see what you mean.
Dodger: It's true. I think it would be wise for us to slow down once in a while and spend time with family, friends, and God. That way we learn how to grow closer and even help each other in our busyness!
Lilly: There's actually a pretty good story about how busyness can keep us from remembering what's most important. Jesus was visiting a house and teaching. One sister who lived there named Mary listened to Jesus while the other sister Martha was trying to get things ready. I'll read you the story:
"Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42 NKJV)
Dodger: Often it's best to slow down, relax, and just listen to God. Other times it's good to just slow down and be with family. God always has time for us, so let's try to give our time to Him, and to those we love. Let's not let all the things that need to be done keep us from living in closeness with others and God.
Lilly: I agree. Well, I think I'd better go. My mom said she was trying a new Bible study book tonight, and I'd like to join her in it!
Dodger: That sounds like a good plan. I think I'll go talk to God for a while about how things have been. Thank you for coming and hanging out with us today! Remember, Jesus loves you, and that's not about to change!
Lilly: Take it easy!
(NKJV Means New King James Version)
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