Great article. I agree that we have a deep need for "wastefulness" with God (and loved ones) in an age of pragmatism and efficiency. And, I think this "wastefulness" is what has drawn a lot of believers towards Eastern Orthodoxy.
“O life, so dull and monotonous, how many treasures you contain! When I look at everything with the eyes of faith, no two hours are alike, and the dullness and monotony disappear. The grace which is given me in this hour will not be repeated in the next. It may be given me again, but it will not be the same grace. Time goes on, never to return again. Whatever is enclosed in it will never change; it seals with a seal for eternity.”
I’ve always been a doer. Let’s just get ‘er done! Until I was at a Pastors Retreat with Dr. Swoboda six years ago. I was introduced to the powerful concepts of Sabbath, Personal Retreats with Jesus, and taking time to just “be still and know God.” My life was transformed at that retreat. I now have a sabbath day each week to just be with Jesus rather than do for Him. I have sabbath moments every evening and every morning…time to just be with my God and listen. Two times a year I try to pull away for 3 days to just have a retreat with Jesus. My life is transformed. Thank you A.J. I am a new man with a deeper knowing of God than ever before! You’ve taught me well through your books and a retreat how to just “waste” time investing in deep intimacy with my God. I’m more in love with Him than ever!
Wonderful reflection. My boys and I hike a long trail so we would pack as much time in as I could. As time went on, I realized that the eight hours we might spend on trail yielded a magical 15 or 30 minutes with them of significant connection. But I couldn't *plan* when that was...so I had to put the eight hours in. It strikes me your notes on worship is like that. And that my richest prayer times are when I gave plenty of space. God came in His time but I couldn't dictate that.
Thank you for these valuable thoughts and insights, Dr. Swoboda. I especially appreciated tying the point in to your own journey learning to love your wife and son well. I think your vulnerability in all of the writing you do is an enormous blessing to your readers because it demonstrates that your not just an expert with answers to hand down to people. You're a fellow journeyer who generously shares the maps you've created based on personal experience.
May the Lord bless you with abundant, peaceful quality time in His presence as you labor to do His work.
Great article. I agree that we have a deep need for "wastefulness" with God (and loved ones) in an age of pragmatism and efficiency. And, I think this "wastefulness" is what has drawn a lot of believers towards Eastern Orthodoxy.
Congrats on another book, as well!
Thanks, brother!
Time goes on, never to return again
“O life, so dull and monotonous, how many treasures you contain! When I look at everything with the eyes of faith, no two hours are alike, and the dullness and monotony disappear. The grace which is given me in this hour will not be repeated in the next. It may be given me again, but it will not be the same grace. Time goes on, never to return again. Whatever is enclosed in it will never change; it seals with a seal for eternity.”
St. Faustina’s Diary #62
This one hit me right between the eyes. Too often I avoid what seems like a waste of time with God.
I’ve always been a doer. Let’s just get ‘er done! Until I was at a Pastors Retreat with Dr. Swoboda six years ago. I was introduced to the powerful concepts of Sabbath, Personal Retreats with Jesus, and taking time to just “be still and know God.” My life was transformed at that retreat. I now have a sabbath day each week to just be with Jesus rather than do for Him. I have sabbath moments every evening and every morning…time to just be with my God and listen. Two times a year I try to pull away for 3 days to just have a retreat with Jesus. My life is transformed. Thank you A.J. I am a new man with a deeper knowing of God than ever before! You’ve taught me well through your books and a retreat how to just “waste” time investing in deep intimacy with my God. I’m more in love with Him than ever!
Your. Best. Post. Ever. Thank you.
Wonderful reflection. My boys and I hike a long trail so we would pack as much time in as I could. As time went on, I realized that the eight hours we might spend on trail yielded a magical 15 or 30 minutes with them of significant connection. But I couldn't *plan* when that was...so I had to put the eight hours in. It strikes me your notes on worship is like that. And that my richest prayer times are when I gave plenty of space. God came in His time but I couldn't dictate that.
Thanks for the good reminder!
BTW, knowing you, you may enjoy my piece on the differentiated Jesus this week :)
Ah, the efficiency trap gets us again! Thank you for the reminder that time with Jesus cannot be wasted.
Thank you for these valuable thoughts and insights, Dr. Swoboda. I especially appreciated tying the point in to your own journey learning to love your wife and son well. I think your vulnerability in all of the writing you do is an enormous blessing to your readers because it demonstrates that your not just an expert with answers to hand down to people. You're a fellow journeyer who generously shares the maps you've created based on personal experience.
May the Lord bless you with abundant, peaceful quality time in His presence as you labor to do His work.
Bless you, Jake. And for blessing my vulnerability.
"wasted time" with God is always 'quality time"