“What a commentary on civilization, when being alone is being suspect; when one has to apologize for it, make excuses, hide the fact that one practices it – like a secret vice.”

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

I wonder if at the heart of our over-busy lives is that we have forgotten how to enjoy solitude and quiet. A quick read-through of the Gospels shows that Jesus practiced solitude—times when he intentionally withdrew from others to be alone with his Father. If Jesus needed quiet times of refreshing, don’t we?

As the glimmer of unrealistic New Year’s resolutions fades (most New Year’s resolutions are abandoned by mid-February), encourage your class or group to create some realistic resolutions that will benefit them for years to come.

Consider discussing the “essentials”. What things in your schedule are of primary importance? This list may be different for different people so be careful not to make determinations for others. Encourage the group to write down items individually, and then ask them to share with the group. Include things that are required for physical existence: earning income, sleeping, eating, and exercising (some physical movement is essential if we are to keep moving). Also include the things that feed your soul: time with God, friendships, family connections, recreation.  Then ask:

• Am I giving appropriate attention to the essentials?
• Am I spending too much time on one essential so that another essential is short-changed?
• What needs to be happen in my life so that none of the essentials are neglected?

 Still too busy?

 Simplify! That’s the topic of the next Teaching Tips.

Tags: sunday school, training

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