When I was growing up my favorite cartoon character was Dennis the Menace. While most of the cartoons depicted his mischief, there was one that I remember that was particularly innocent. Dennis and his little pal Joey are resting in the grass on the creek bank, hands folded behind their heads as they are looking up at the sky. The caption reads,
“Jelly donuts, what are you thinkin’ about?”
While the innocence of those days is long gone, I think there is a spiritual lesson here for us.
The psalmist says in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” Be still – free from sound or noise. Cease striving…untie the knots.
There’s an old hymn that comes to mind that also speaks to us along these lines:
Take time to be holy,
Speak oft with Thy Lord.
Abide in Him only,
And feed on His word.
Take time to be holy,
The world rushes on…
You get the point.
I trust as summer days approach you can take time out – find that quiet place to sit beside a creek bank with your kids or alone – anything to slow your pace. Maybe even have a jelly donut!
If you have a need or prayer request, please contact me and I’ll pray for you.
Bill Erickson
Devotional Blog 