By Doug Creamer

For the Salisbury Post

My wife and I used to listen to Garrison Keillor’s radio program. One of my favorite parts was when he would tell the story about his fictional town. The story always began with, “It’s been a quiet week … ” Then he would launch into all the happenings in town. I miss hearing him on the radio.

I have been reflecting on my week and wishing I could say that it has been a quiet week. My schedule for the next couple of weeks looks worse. I have something scheduled almost every night. How did that happen? The end of the school year is always busy. I have written down my schedule, but still feel like I am forgetting something.

I find myself longing for a quiet week. Some friends posted pictures from the beach and I feel slightly jealous. We have a trip to the beach planned, but it is still down the road. I have to admit that sometimes I catch myself imagining walking on the beach, listening to the waves and feeling carefree. Then a student will ask a question, interrupting the fantasy and bringing me back to reality.

Don’t misunderstand, I like having something to do, just not being so busy. I will sometimes slip out on the porch late at night seeking a few peaceful moments. The trouble with that is that I should be in bed instead of sitting quietly on the porch. I need sleep, but I also want some peaceful moments.

When I finally do get in bed, my brain seems to wake up. I am either reviewing the day I just finished or trying to figure out how on earth I am going to get everything done tomorrow. My brain seems to be on full throttle, while my body is screaming for some rest and sleep.

Sometimes I will discover the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding. Some nights I find that on the porch in those few quiet moments. When I do, I want to stay there the rest of the night. Other nights, I feel it as my head hits the pillow and His love envelops me and calmly allows me to drift off.

My pastor has been teaching us about distractions. There are so many things that can get in the way of what God desires for us. I found myself in that place on Sunday morning. My schedule for the next two weeks was haunting me. I was needed in more places than I could be. How is that going to be possible?

The music began and all I could think about was my schedule. The first song slipped by and the distraction continued. We were part way through the second song when that still, small voice whispered to me, “Are you really going to allow that to keep you from being with me?” I quickly repented and got my eyes, heart and mind focused on Jesus. He was right there the whole time. His peace enveloped me. He had it under control.

My next two weeks are still going to be very busy, but I figured out that if I keep my eyes on Him everything will be all right. His peace and His presence will help provide a path for me. Something tells me that there might be a few people along that path who will need my help. If my eyes are on Him and my schedule is in His hands, then I might discover a few moments I didn’t know I had to listen and help someone along the way.

I think the secret is keeping our eyes on Him and inviting Him into our busy lives. He knows that we are busy, yet He still wants to be close to us. Somehow we become distracted and believe that it’s impossible to connect with God. That’s the enemy lying to us. God lives inside us, of course we can connect with Him. Once we connect, we can discover the peace and grace we need to make it through the crazy life we lead.

I want to encourage you take a deep breath and realize that God is with you. God loves you and no matter whether you are rushing around or taking a quiet walk along the beach, God wants to be with you. You have to push the distractions away and see Him. No matter what is going on, God is right there with you. I am still really looking forward to the beach, but I am determined that I am going to experience God with me every day.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com