|
Walnut in a Jar Tom Barnard
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength….” (Isaiah 40:31)
Author Fay Angus tells the story of attending a weekend retreat at a Christian conference center in Southern California. At the registration desk she was given a small, glass container wrapped in decorative paper. She was told to unwrap the package and read the directions taped to the item. When she opened it, she discovered that it was a small baby-food jar that contained a walnut surrounded and filled to the brim with grains of rice. The directions read as follows:
The walnut in this jar represents the time we spend with God. The rice represents the time we spend doing other things. If you pour the rice into the empty jar first, then try to insert the walnut, it will not fit. The rice takes up too much space. But if you put the walnut into the empty jar first, then pour the rice around it, there is sufficient room for everything. Likewise, if we spend time doing other things first, we will never find time to spend with God. But if we spend time with God first, there will always be time for everything else.
Jesus was quite clear on the subject of walnuts and jars. He said, “Set your mind on God’s kingdom and his justice before everything else, and all the rest will come to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NEB)
Heavenly Father, I have become an expert in doing “other things” first, and giving to you whatever time and energy is left over. Too often I have not even inquired about what is on your agenda. How foolish this is! Forgive me for being so self-centered. The object lesson of the walnut and the rice has reminded me about how important my priorities are … to you. I want to change directions. Help me to set my mind on your kingdom’s business first, having faith that there will be enough time left to take care of my business. Remind me that you stand ready to help, if only I will ask. So, I am asking. Please partner with me to bring this to pass in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen |