So Many Plans....

Many of us are over scheduled and under inspired. We spend much of our time, especially if we are parents, constantly on the go, and when we get to where we’re going, we realize we’re only there until we leave for another appointment. Many parents compare their lives to that of “taxi cab drivers” for their children’s busy schedules. And these schedules are only possible because we make big elaborate calendars and plan every minute of each day to “fit it all in.”

A couple of years ago I was gathered with many of our parents and we identified almost 30 different activities that required our time or our children’s time each week. There is no doubt we live in a very busy world. I’m sure most would agree we are over-programmed as families. That is what makes this week’s Gospel message so important for us.

The Gospel tells us of a short man named Zacchaeus who “sought to see who Jesus was.” (Luke 19.3) Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector so he was a very busy man going from house to house collecting taxes. In order for him to get everything done in his world, I’m sure he would have to keep a very particular schedule. This is why, when he sought to see who Jesus was, he “ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass that way.” (Luke 19.4) Zacchaeus was able to take advantage of his planning so he would not miss seeing Christ. And he was rewarded by Jesus who said, “Zacchaeus, make hast and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” (Luke 19.5)

When we make plans to seek Jesus and put those plans into action, we will also be blessed by God. We should learn a lesson from Zacchaeus and use some of our master calendar abilities and make time for Jesus every day even if that means climbing a tree. If we want to see Jesus, then we will do whatever it takes to fit it into our daily and schedule. At least then we will finally be inspired by the time we spend with Jesus.