Ask anyone how they are doing and they are likely to respond with one word: “Busy.” When we are super busy, it is easy to neglect more important matters that deserve and demand our attention. Matters like cultivating quiet time that calms us in the midst of chaos or nurturing relationships that sustain us as we journey through life. So often we are overly concerned about practical matters and forget about our personal relationships; relationships with those whom we love – family, friends and the Author of our Faith.

Paul Powell tells the story of a well-known preacher from years ago. His name was Carter Jones. Carter had a small room in the attic of his home that he used as a place of prayer. When he was especially burdened, he would make his way up the winding staircase to that room to spend some quiet moments with God. The members of his family knew that when he went to the attic room for prayer they were not to bother him under any circumstances.

One day, under some heavy burdens, he climbed the stairs, went into the room, and knelt beside the chair to pray. But he had hardly started when the door swung open and there stood his little girl. The moment his eyes met hers, she knew she had done wrong.

She knew she shouldn't be there. But she said, "Daddy, you've been so busy lately I haven't seen you much. And I just wanted to tell you that I love you." And with that she threw her arms around her father's neck, gave him a big hug, wheeled around, and was gone as quickly as she had come.

Still on his knees, Carter wiped a tear from his eye and said, "Father, I've been so busy lately that I haven't had much time for you. I just want to tell you again that I love you."

Time spent nurturing our relationship with the Lord will provide us with the ability to remain firm in our faith and be able to keep hope alive when things around us seem hopeless. As we spend time with the Lord we receive strength for the journey and power from on high to keep on living. When we make time for God, we are better able to love God, neighbor and self.