Lucas Is Tired

Proverbs 22:6 – Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (NIV)

My son Lucas, who is four, was sorting the family's laundry, shortly after the New Year. This was not his first foray into the art of sorting lights from darks, but he still sometimes asks for help.

While I was in the bedroom making our bed, Lucas ran back and forth, with a sock, or a sweater, seemingly never to tire, asking me, "Am this light or dark, mom?" I would sigh, look at the proffered article and tell him which pile to toss it in.

After several loads were washed and dried — with me folding, because Lucas cannot understand why we fold ("Them just get messy in my drawer, mom!") — I asked Lucas if he was ready to do another load of wash. He replied, "Aw, mom, I'm too tired!" So, while I loaded dryer and washer once again, alone now, I watched the snow falling outside the window, and sensed that the Lord sighed. I asked Him what there was to sigh about. He touched me with the lightest brushing of His fingers in my heart and said, "Where was all that energy Lucas had just a while ago?"

I thought about this. The child had unbounded energy. He was not really too tired to help. Was it not just like the way I feel when I sit to read the Bible? I thought of this because the most unusual tiredness comes over me each time I want to sit and read with God. Could this be a fight? Once again I had started the year with a brand new Bible reading plan in my hands, and already, I was neglecting my time with Him. I know it breaks His heart!

Prayer: Lord, please forgive us. Help us to fight the spirit of despondency, and win the battle of the Bible! May our energy for You match our energy for the things of this world. In Your mighty name, we ask this, Jesus. Amen.