MATTHEW 6:9
Life was simple when I was little. I got up, ate some Apple Jacks, went to “school,” where I took a nap and made crafts, went back home and had dinner, made a mess for mom to clean up, and then went to sleep. This was the basic daily cycle. For me, even a relationship with Christ was easy to attain. It was as simple as saying my ABCs. I was told, “Tell God that you are sinner. Believe that Jesus is God’s only Son. Commit your life to God, and ask Him to fill you up with His love.” Yes, things used to be simple. Then, slowly in the beginning and then more rapidly, life began to change. I got my driver’s permit and then my license, and I got a lot more freedom. I began filling every waking moment with activities and people and places to go. My life became complicated and confusing, and sometimes it was even scary, although I didn’t want to admit that! The truth (that I am usually “too busy” to pay attention to) is that simplicity and silence are so necessary. Christ longs for us to spend time just being with Him. He doesn’t make pursuing a relationship with Him hard, but it does require that we stop our busyness and focus on Him. I think He is waiting, hoping that each one of us does this.
Hope Hamilton, 17, Donelson Christian Academy, Donelson, TN
Things can get so complicated. Help me,
dear Jesus, to see that You are the only
really important thing. The rest is just clutter.