Day Three Hundred Three “Type A”
So let’s look over the checklist: intense sense of urgency, inability to fully relax, tendency to multitask, follows strict time schedules, triggered into stress easily, highly competitive, possesses strong self-discipline. Yes, that accurately describes a Type A personality, the epitome of my got-to-get-it-done-quickly lifestyle. I am that impatient, frustrated one in the too-long department store checkout line; I am that old lady racing through the grocery store at such a clip that no one can, or wants to, keep up; I am the driver griping the steering wheel, trying desperately to keep some semblance of composure in a traffic jam. My husband, thankfully, tends to fall into the Type B category: relaxed and easy-going, less stressed, more laid back, patient; he is one who sees the value of putting up one’s feet and enjoying a kick-back moment. How amusing this daily clash of personalities must be to the One Who joined them together.
I think that is why I love the tone of the Gospel of Mark; it is succinct and to the point. From his short, unadorned opening statement, the account moves at an incredible pace, always accelerating the sense of action, noted by the repetition of such words as immediately and straightway. Mark penned his account at a time of incomprehensible turmoil for the young church. The Roman army was on the move, persecution was at a fever pitch, martyrdom was resulting in a Christian bloodbath, and the eventual fall of Jerusalem was inevitable. And in this scenario, Mark pens his short, to-the-point, action-packed account of the Son of God.
As I perused the first two chapters today, I was emotionally engaged, as if immersed in a successful action movie, watching my Savior transition seamlessly from one miracle to the next, immediately. But in the midst of this action-packed tapestry of events was a stunning pause, a cessation of activity. “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Sandwiched between miraculous displays of power is the secret to the source of that power-solitary, quiet, one-on-one communication with the Father. Jesus, the Son of God, wants this Type A get-‘er-done old lady to realize that a quiet time with the Father is essential; activity must cease long enough for communication, fellowship, worship, and praise to ensue. Effective ministry flows from that quiet time.
Are you engaged in a breakneck, flurry of activity today? Follow the example of the Savior and set aside the necessary time for prayer and preparation first.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw night to you.
Lord, as difficult as it is for me at times, help me to learn that quiet, peaceful time with You is essential to my growth and survival.
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