Too Busy to Know You’re Too Busy
The story is told that many years ago, there lived a king who had a beautiful daughter. The princess had many offers of marriage but she couldn’t’ make up her mind. Being a romantic girl, she wanted a man who would love her more than he loved anything else. So, she devised a way to test the love of her suitors.
An announcement was made that on a certain day there would be a race. The winner of the race would marry the princess. All that was required was that the man had to love the princess more than he loved anything else.
On the chosen day men from all over the kingdom lined up—each professing their undying love for the princes—and each ready to run for the prize of being her husband.
However, just before the race the king made another announcement. Not wanting any man to run in vain, the king had liberally scattered some of his finest treasures along the course. There were necklaces, pendants, jewel-encrusted cups, swords, knives, gemstones, and rings. Each runner was welcome to take as many as he liked.
Then the race began. One by one the runners turned aside to fill their pockets with whatever treasures they could carry. Blinded by the promise of immediate wealth they forgot about the princess and their professions of love.
All that is but one. This man ignored the treasures along the way and pressed on to the finish. He considered the treasures to be mere trinkets compared to the incomparable beauty of the princess. And finally, he crossed the finish line, the winner.
Hebrews tells us, “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:1-2).
Busyness is a problem for almost everyone I know. We are all so busy. And many times our busyness distracts us from keeping our eyes on what is truly important. Jesus told his friend Martha, “Martha, you are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is needed.” Her sister Mary had chosen the right thing. She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and absorb his teachings.
Are you too busy to focus your energy on what is truly important in life? Could be a good time to re-evaluate and re-prioritize. Lay aside those things that keep you from focusing on the prize at the finish line. Your prince (princess) awaits.
Tim Hobbs, Pastor