Years ago I gave a sermon entitled ‘Caramel Brownie Moments’. They used to have these

amazingly decadent caramel and dark chocolate brownies at our local Starbucks when

my older three were little. It seemed like such a treat to splurge and spend the money to

have a whole brownie all to myself. Who takes the time to do that when there are

children to feed and bathe, play with and clean up after? Who takes the moments to

themselves when there is work to be done and a growing to do list to tick off?

I preached on the need to make space in our lives for ourselves but most of all for God.

 

Times have changed…I now only have one little one to run after…but I do run more slowly! I have
other responsibilities and tasks to carry out but the truth of that sermon is still important. I still need
to make that space in my life for God and open up my ears and eyes to listen and hear from him.
Sometimes sitting down with a cuppa and a fine piece might be just what is needed. But in reality in
this stage of life with older ones coming and going and the little one having clubs and such I might
entitle such a sermon, ‘Just order a Chippie’.

There are times in life that it can be hard to make space for the important things, such as taking time
with a spouse, playing with a child, having some alone time or most importantly sitting before God in
prayer. When life gets busy something has to go and that something might just be a cooked meal.
Perhaps ordering a chippie for takeaway is a good choice…though probably not for one’s waist!
We all have choices to make in life but when it comes right down to it we need to ask ourselves what
is most important and learn to prioritise it. When I was studying for ministry one of my professors
said to us before you say ‘no’ to something and ‘yes’ to something else ask yourself in 5 years what
will be most important. For example, will it be more important that I slowed down to listen to God
or was able to get ahead in my ironing? You fill in the blank with your own choices. I have found it
an important principle to live by.

Perhaps you are facing some busy days ahead with the summer evenings ending and the autumnal
weather on its way. Perhaps you have some choices to make and are not sure how to prioritise what
to do. Maybe you even use busyness as a way to avoid seeing others or having to sacrifice your own
wants to help someone else. Whatever season you find yourself in, whatever questions you face,
the next time you find yourself with a bit of free time, you might find it useful to ask yourself these
questions:

1) Have I prioritised spending time with God recently? (Psalm 46:10)
2) What is the Lord asking me to do that I have been avoiding? (Matthew 7:7)
3) Have I taken proper care of myself or do I need to do something different? (1 Cor 6:19)
4) Is there someone in my life God is wanting me to serve? (Galatians 6:2)
5) If I do this or that what will have the most impact in 5 years time? (Jeremiah 29:11)

Have fun looking up the verses above and reading what God has to say about how we care for
others, our relationship with the Lord and ourselves. Let me know what you think! I would love to
hear about a caramel brownie moment or let’s just order a chippie time in your life!
Praying for each of you as we seek to support one another in the community of faith and in the
sharing of God’s love in this world!

 

Much love, Rev. Julia

‘The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.’ (Psalm 46:7)