Day 8- The Passover Lamb

I liked the author's thoughts in today's devotion.  It's not something I had really thought about.  It wasn't out of duty or obligation that Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples, but he did so because "he longs to spend a few hours with the Twelve."  This is a precious and special time for Jesus as he shares this final meal with his closest friends.

"Every moment we get to spend with Jesus is precious to us - and to him."  This is a good reminder to slow down and just find time to be in God's presence.  So often I get caught up in the "doing" of life, that I fail to attend to the "being" in life.  It's important, I think, to just "be," and not always "do."

One of the occupational hazards of being a pastor is that you are called to create and find ways to help others to learn and grow spiritually.  Unfortunately, you can neglect your own spirituality in the process.  Time with God becomes a means to an end (an idea for a sermon, a teaching to share), rather than an end in itself.  So, my most precious times with God have been those occasions when I can step out of that role and just allow myself to be in God's presence.

 The beautiful mountains of Utah have provided several such opportunities while hiking or skiing.  Just this week the night sky looking over the valley with Venus, the moon, and Jupiter in alignment, has been truly awesome.  What a great God we have to share with us such a beautiful creation!  I think back to holding each of our children on my lap and saying bedtime prayers.  There, too, the presence of God was felt.  We could just  "be" together.  I have been blessed with many precious moments in time spent with God throughout my life.  Thankfully, God continues to provide them along the journey.  It gives me a boost, a lift, to keep growing in faith and service.  I am so grateful for God's presence, who seems to provide that time with Him just when I need it the most.