That Guilty Feeling

Maybe readers everywhere belong to this not-so-exclusive club.

I just returned from ministry overseas and with all that I need... should....must do, I have succumbed to that siren call of "You need a break. Settle down awhile and pick up that book you've been wanting to read."

It doesn't take much for me to give in and shirk the work. But then that mean old niggling starts.

"Soiled clothing (see how big that pile is?) needs washing! Floors. Ugh! Need to go food shopping, cereal alone, just doesn't cut it . Windows? Forget it! Letters to answer, not forgetting Christmas cards to send." On and on it goes almost shaming me to get to work. Yes, almost is the operative word.

If you're an avid reader, you'll understand. Or perhaps you have iron resolve like some upright leading characters you read about. Really? Yet every so often you find yourself tempted beyond your control. And you slip a little. You pick up that novel you've been dying to get at. And you settle down, despite telling yourself, "Just a few minutes....." Hah! Too late!

And that strange mix of "Can't wait to get to the end and find out what happens," with this, "Hope this doesn't end too soon. It's so good."

Escapism? Is that what it's all about? Or could it be something else drawing us into another world of characters who face the same battles we face? Is it the longing in most of us yearning for wrongs to be made right? To see perseverance and prayers and hope rewarded by our loving God who knows us inside out?

These are some of the reasons I enjoy well-crafted inspirational novels so much. Yes, I also read many other secular novels and appreciate their honesty as to how the authors see their world. But I love the truth that comes to my heart and soul from reading a story in the light of a Christian World View. That point of view gives hope to us and often opens our eyes in recognizing our own imperfect selves. It reveals how giving up is not an option. And how trusting God is not a weakness of character, but more of a trusting, child-like faith in a God who cares for His children.

Why did Jesus tell so many stories? He compared the natural everyday life with its complexities to the spiritual world. In this way He never placed burdens on His followers, instead, He promised His strength to cope with our life, no matter what difficulties we face.

So, taking time out to read helps our souls to grow. It helps us to see that others have overcome those seemingly insurmountable problems.  So let's not feel too guilty about our time out for reading, huh?

Rita Galieh, has written a trilogy of historical novels, Indie published, and also contributed to several US anthologies. She is now completing a third historical romance series. A member of ICFW, ACFW, and several Australian blogs, she is on Facebook and www.ritastellapress.com  

Rita studied art at the Sydney National Art School then joined the family ceramics studio. After their marriage, she and her husband attended Emmaus Bible College, and were also involved with Christian Television on Sydney’s Channel Nine. 

Currently she co-presents Vantage Point, an Australia-wide Christian FM radio program. She enjoys giving her fun-filled presentations of ‘Etiquette of the Victorian Era’ in costume.

DEVOTION: Time Out? You're Joking! ~ by Shirley Corder

In the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt1:28 KJV)

Eugene Peterson, who wrote The Message version of the Bible, puts the verse this way: "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.” 

Do these words bring tears to your eyes? Do you feel a deep ache at the thought of a “real rest”? Yet rest is not a luxury. It is an essential part of our make-up. If we don’t rest voluntarily, we will become ill—and rest will be forced upon us.

Have you ever stopped to read a book and been consumed by guilt? Do you sometimes sit down with a cup of your favourite beverage and gulp it down before anyone sees you? Have you switched your PC screen for a "quick game" of Solitaire, which may not have been all that quick after all? Do you sometimes want to scream at yet another interruption from those demanding children? (Yes, those same ones you wanted so badly and love so dearly!) 

My friend, don’t succumb to the lies from Satan, “If you stop work and take a rest during the day, you are weak and lazy,” he'll tell you. "What will people think if they see you taking a break?" "A whole day off? Don't be ridiculous. You can't afford to take time out."

God, the Almighty Creator, needed rest. He worked for six days—then he took a whole day’s break. If God needed time out, I guess I do too. And you.

Sydney Harris said, The best time to relax is exactly when you do not have the time for it. 

My challenge for you right now is, choose a period of time, or even an entire day, out of the next seven days, and mark it off on your diary or your calendar as "Time Out for Me!" And then stick to it. You'll be surprised. The world won't stop turning. You will return to your writing, your work or your family situation with more enthusiasm and inspiration. God took time out. He expects nothing less from us, His children.

Do you wake up each morning and wonder

Why your life seems to keep spinning by?

At the end of the day when the house becomes still

Do you fall into bed with a sigh?

Do you long for the days when your time was your own?

Then feel guilty for thinking that way?

They’re your children, they’re precious, you do love them so,

Yet they need you each second, all day.

Do you wonder if God feels that way when you call?

If He ceases to care what you do?

Well my friend, that’s the wonder, He’s always right there,

He never takes time-out from you.

©Shirley M. Corder 2006

OVER TO YOU: How hard or easy is my challenge going to be for you this week?
Please respond as a comment below.

SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast in South Africa with her husband, Rob. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on her time in the cancer valley, where God taught her much about taking time out.

Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at  RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.