A Spiritual Exercise

It's a typical busy day, filled with the usual responsibilities at home and work, but then more than the usual number of unexpected things come up. You manage to keep going, but notice that you're running slower, losing focus, and feeling overwhelmed.

What's one of the first things most people try when their computer starts running slower or having other problems? They save their work and reboot their computer, which clears the computer's cluttered memory. Often that is exactly what was needed to get the computer working efficiently again.

When you see that it's taking you longer than it should to complete the task at hand, it may seem like a waste of precious time to stop long enough to clear your mind and settle your spirit, but you'll probably waste more time and energy in the long run if you don't. You would be like the person whose computer is running slow or acting up, but who doesn't want to take the time to clear the computer's overloaded memory by rebooting.

A few minutes with Jesus changes everything

Here are a few things that you can do to "reboot" yourself, all of which involve stepping back from your work for a few minutes: Take a short walk in the fresh air. Take a few deep breaths to clear your lungs. Stretch. Do some light exercises to get your heart rate up a little. Look out the window at God's creation. Count your blessings. Enjoy a cup of tea. Take a short nap.

Before you go back to work, ask Jesus to put each of the tasks still ahead of you in perspective. Reassess your priorities and adjust your work plan accordingly.

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A Prayer for the Day

Jesus, You said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Right now I'm worn out and weary, so here I am, coming to You. Please give me that rest of spirit You promised. Take my mind off of my work and problems for the next few minutes, and help me relax.

Thank You for never being too busy for me. Any time of the day or night, I can stop and direct my thoughts toward You, and You always know just what I need. I feel such peace in Your presence. When I get so stressed that every obstacle seems like a mountain, You help me put things in perspective and the mountains melt away. When I'm confused or frustrated, You bring things into focus. Just a few minutes with You changes everything. I love You, Jesus!