Even Ten Minutes
Some time back, I heard a story about a Buddhist monk who was visiting New York. He was told by his Western host that they could save ten minutes by making a transfer in the subway at Grand Central Station. When they came up from the subway in Central Park, the monk sat down on a bench. His host, who was in a hurry, asked, “Why are you just sitting there?”
“I thought we should enjoy the ten minutes,” the monk replied.
In a fast-paced, hectic world, how often do we stop to sit for even ten minutes—without going to our phones or other electronics? Even if we have the time, do we intentionally stop and enjoy our surroundings? How often do we stop long enough to gather our thoughts and remember the many gifts God has placed all around us?
At one of the busiest times in their ministry, Jesus instructs the disciples:
“Come away to a deserted place and rest a while…” (Mark 6:31)
Let us pray: Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of this day—and indeed, for the gift of life itself. Remind us to occasionally stop and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. I ask you today to remove any worry or anxiety we may be feeling. Fill us instead with hope. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Rev. Joe Albright is a graduate of Flagler College and Columbia Theological Seminary. Together, he and his wife Robbie have five children. He loves spending time on the ocean and especially enjoys surfing and fishing. Before entering the ministry, Joe taught high school Spanish in Cape Hatteras North Carolina and Lawrence Tavern, Jamaica. He has pastored churches in Sarasota and Jacksonville, Florida and is currently serving Trinity Presbyterian Church in Palm Coast. Full Bio “I believe deeply in the power of the Gospel to bring hope, love, and new life. I have seen firsthand how this beautiful ministry of hope has touched people’s lives. It gives me great joy to serve Dial Hope as Lead Pastor.”
