Turtle Time

Okay, granted these turtles can't compare with the eagle photos, but I've always enjoyed turtles - been fascinated by them since a kid. These guys and gals were at the Norfolk Botanical Garden sunning themselves while their friends were taking a dip. 

I don't know about you but I could use a little more turtle time, that is down time; or as the Bible calls it, "Sabbath". I make most of my poor decisions when I'm tired. On those days at work when I don't take a lunch break my afternoons are usually not the best times to make decisions, engage in critical financial calculations, or write sensitive memos.

The Bible teaches that Jesus is our Sabbath. When we come into a relationship with Christ we can quit trying to "make it happen", to be king of the hill, or the Energizer Bunny. Jesus teaches that we are to abide in Him - that we can only bear fruit as we live in Him and allow Him to live in and through us. In a world that operates on anxiety a person can feel pretty alone when she or he isn't plugged into the power grid of busyness, hyperactivity, and racing heart beats. It's like actually driving the speed limit on an Interstate - you are totally out of sync with everyone else. 

While going with the flow of Interstate traffic can be a prudent thing to do, going with the flow of our anxiety-ridden culture is a dangerous thing to do; this world's rhythms are toxic - they rob us of equilibrium, rest, peace, and perspective. Plus, when we are hopping and jumping and otherwise reacting to society's cacophony we can't be a source of peace and rest for others, we can't be a shelter for those around us. 

When is the last time you had some quality turtle time?