I start to look forward to this time of year as soon as the snow starts to fly in the fall. This is when I get to sit on our back deck in the early mornings and take in the bigness of God that’s all around us. The pre-dawn skies over the Cabinets, the meadow just below with all the four legged critters that pass through, the variety of the winged ones that eat and sing at the feeder and the quiet and the warmth of the early mornings just to name a few. This is my favorite time to sit and read the Word and to let the Word read me. It’s time to spend listening and conversing with our Heavenly Father.

Yet, each and every morning, especially this time of year, business is banging on the door of our relationship with God. It demands we answer and give it our undivided attention.

All I need do is look around the same surroundings and I can list all the important projects screaming for my attention. They only add to how easily I can be distracted.

I’ve heard it called, “the tyranny of the urgent.” The tug or yank between what’s important and what’s pressing.

The urgent is a constant room mate in my mind that distracts me from relating with God.

Just as with any relationship, closeness enhances them while distance strains them. Busyness keeps me distant from God.

It is of the utmost importance, especially this time of year, that I/ we set aside time to focus on our walk with Him because when we delight ourselves in the Lord He will give us the desires of our heart. Psalm 37:4.

Trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understandings. In all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Bruce Macek is pastor at Newman Community Bible Church, 9230 Sagle Road, Sagle.