Read: Psalm 62:5-8

Natalie glanced at her phone. Twenty minutes. Twenty minutes to change and eat something before she had to leave for dance. Gotta move. She grabbed some mac and cheese and popped it into the microwave. As she bounded up the stairs, she passed her little brother Jacob sitting in time-out. Minutes later, the microwave dinged. Natalie tugged her leotard into place and pushed one more bobby pin into her bun. She rushed downstairs and retrieved her food. Stirring her mac and cheese, she glanced at Jacob sitting on the bottom step with his elbows on his knees, fists digging into his chubby cheeks.

“What did you do this time, sport?” Natalie plopped beside her brother.

“Yelled at Mommy.” Jacob sighed. “I hate time-out.”

Natalie patted his back. “Mom doesn’t stick you here just because you’re in trouble. It’s to help you settle down and get under control. Are you still mad?”

“No.” Jacob paused. “Nat? Does sitting help you too?”

Natalie paused mid-chew. Sitting still didn’t happen much. Rushing to school and dance left her feeling anything but in control. “I’m too big for time-outs now,” she said.

“You’re never home.” Jacob’s eyes were sad. “I miss you.”

Natalie licked the cheese from her spoon. She loved dance company, though it meant she practically lived at the studio. What happened to family time? What happened to time with God?

She looked at the shelf in the kitchen where she put her Bible. Maybe I need a time-out too.

Natalie glanced at her phone. Five minutes. She squeezed Jacob, then walked over and picked up her Bible. A highlighted verse caught her attention: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Rest. Sounds great, God. Natalie remembered learning that this verse meant those who trusted in Jesus didn’t have to strive to earn God’s favor, because Jesus earned it for them. I need to stop and remember that more often. Remember He’s in control. She took a deep breath and continued to read.

Soon Mom was calling. Time for dance. Natalie checked her phone. Her five minutes were gone. Somehow God had stretched them, and she sensed His peace. She grinned and grabbed her brother’s hand. “Race you to the car!”

–Gayle Veitenheimer

How about you?

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