ARE YOU A CALL SCREENER

I read an article this morning that cut me right to the heart. It was about screening calls, which I often do. I am a person that puts my time in on the phone, as a labor of love. I do it, but I hate it. And I AM a talker. But by phone is tough for me. When the phone rings, I cringe. Is my to do list done, do I just want to have me time, do I need to answer or can I call back another time? The truth is that the telephone for me has become an invasion of my private time.

But there is another side to this. In the article this morning the author wrote at how she ignored a call from her dad. He is retired and has time to talk anytime. But she is busy now, and later would be a better time. My mind went to the possibility that there may be an emergency. What if he really needed her at that moment. That possibility makes me pick up at odd times. But at other times I feel like I can get back to the caller.

I have come to realize that phone time is a necessary sacrifice. One that family, only wanting to share life with you, enjoys taking the time to do. Keeping in touch day to day, even moment by moment, is important for building and maintaining good relations.

Now liken this to our relationship to our Heavenly Father. How often do we put off prayer, the reading of His word, that sacred time of meditation and togetherness. We are sometimes so consumed with our needs, that we put Him into that "later box" as well.

Imagine your earthly father actually seeing you look at the caller ID and choose to skip the call. Imagine the sadness, the hurt, and why shouldn't he be? You just sent a message loud and clear that he is not a priority. Our Father in Heaven sees our every moment.

How do you suppose He feels about our intimate times with Him? Is He pleased to see how thrilled and excited we are to be in His presence? Or is He dismayed by the "back burner" status that He, who has given us life, has been given back.

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."