Stop and Smell the Roses (Psalms 127:2)

When I started my first job, I was relentless in making partnership. I would work long hours, often going to the hospital on the weekends. I volunteered for many committees and made myself indispensable to the group. Of course, this all came at a cost and during this time in my life, my heart was very distant from God. I was a backsliding Christian and I deliberately turned my back on my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to pursue the selfish ambitions of my career.

After one particularly grueling day of work, I came home and as I entered the driveway, I noticed that my roses in the front yard were beginning to bloom. Instead of going into the house, I walked to the front of the yard and admired the blossoms, stopping to take in their fragrance.

“It’s about time you stopped and smelled the roses!”

My quiet reflection was interrupted by my neighbor who was standing across the street and was observing my actions.

He was right, of course. I was so caught up with myself that I had forgotten to take time to admire the simple pleasures of life that abounded. Sadly, it took many more years before God was able to reach me. The seductive call of the world rang louder in my ears. It was so easy to convince myself that sacrifices for my work were justified. After all, I was providing for my family. I was utilizing the education that I have sacrificed so many years to obtain. I was helping others.  I...I...I...where was God in these justifications?

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Psalms 127:2

God places so many reminders and warnings about the dangers of a life that is solely focused upon work. He knows the failings and excuses of my heart. And even after I have disobeyed Him, only by His grace and mercy am I able to repent of my sins and come to Him for His forgiveness.

Thanks be to God for His love and sacrifice for me!

Love and seek the Lord; seek His will in your life.