“Making Room for Who Matters”

My morning retreat (courtesy of Loyola Publishing) asked a wonderful question today: “When have I had to make room for Jesus in my thoughts, words, or deeds?” (“3-Minute Retreat”)

But my life is too full for Jesus right now. Even in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, there are blog posts to write, working on publishing my PhD dissertation, planting the garden, weeding the flower beds, and taking the dog on walks and to do her business.

Then, there are other important matters such as:

  • Trying to beat my wife at Scrabble.
  • Watching reruns of Adam-12 on MeTV.
  • Trying to get past level 16 in Word Wipe.
  • Reading political and economic news that depresses me and that I can’t do much about.
  • Worrying about catching the coronavirus.

So, as you can see, I have no room for Jesus. Making room in my thoughts and words would be difficult enough. But you’re asking me to make room for Jesus in my deeds too?! Really?!?

No, I’m afraid not. Maybe later. Maybe after this pandemic is over. Maybe after the garden work is finished. Maybe after I’m retired.

Oh, wait! I am retired! Well, maybe after I’ve been retired a little longer.

There is an old hymn, often used in churches that gave old-fashioned invitations. It went something like this:

“Room for pleasure, room for business,

But for Christ the Crucified,

Not a place that He can enter,

In the heart for which He died?”

Perhaps I should clear me calendar.

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