Our days seem to get busier and busier, don’t they? In fact we wish for more time just to do what needs to be done. Yet, what we need isn’t more time, but less time. We need a time-out where we simply stop, and just “be.” During this pause, we breath deeply, ridding ourselves of distractions and getting reacquainted with who we are. As Pascal writes: “By means of diversion we can avoid our own company twenty-four hours a day.”

When we allow our mind and heart to catch-up to our activity, we can see clearly the spiritual that lies beyond our busyness. Not simply “duty or obligation,” but more importantly Jesus who accompanies us in all we do. And Jesus knows it’s quiet-time that brings to mind this forgotten fact.

In our precious quiet moments, we realize all we do, whether big or small, is because Jesus once lived among us. If Jesus hadn’t been born, lived, died for our sins and rose again, so that we could also rise--our lives or anything we do wouldn’t matter. Jesus gives purpose to all of it!

Henry Nouwen, the great spiritual writer, wrote: “everyday look for a place to be alone.” It is in that solitary, sacred space, Nouwen suggests, where we connect with Jesus who gives our lives meaning.   When we invite Jesus to walk with us in our ordinary times, each step becomes a miracle.

The thought of Jesus slows down our speed, softens our hearts and makes those around us more visible. We actually see who they are and understand their needs. It has the charm of turning a black and white movie into one of vivid color!

When Jesus took His"time outs," He saw more than lepers, cripples and the blind. Jesus actually “took pity” on them. And when He saw the grief of Martha and Mary at the loss of their brother Lazarus, Jesus wept real tears. Jesus' pity--turned to care. Jesus showed us that when we care about another’s needs and feel their pain, we easily reach out and offer relief.

In our daily living we may still get busy. When we are, take that much needed time-out and consider why we are so busy. It is a great opportunity for us to allow our soul to catch-up with our body and our ordinary action will be its own miracle!