Time to Press the "Pause" Button?

Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" Jesus replied, "The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

I read these lines, and I have to pause and ask Jesus for forgiveness. I have been working on new music lately and I have to say that my wife and children have been taking a back seat. I try to give them my prime quality time, but the problem is when I get up early or stay up late to work on music it just isn't as productive. I forget sometimes that my number one job is to be a husband and father. I love myself to give myself what I need, but when it comes to my nuclear family they sometimes get the "leftovers". I don't play live that much anymore, but I have made mistakes there too, like when I get asked to change slots because another band has a long ride back home and I don't want to give up my spot. Sometimes when other artists are preforming I don't take the time to listen to them and the talent that God has given them and miss a message from God because I am too preoccupied focusing on my own mental prep. Really, if I am not ready by the time I get to the venue "mentally" is that extra 30 minutes going to make that big of a difference, no.

Jesus,

I am so sorry. You have filled this world with wonderful beautiful people. You have blessed me with an amazing wife and children. I am so sorry for ignoring them when I should be living in the moment. I know that the music will come when you are ready for it to. Help me to hear the words you spoke to the scribes so long ago today. I want to love, not just because you tell me to , but because it makes me a better person and it makes me happy. Life is not about work or talent or songs, it is about love. Help me to become the man that you know that I can be. I love you so much Jesus. Thank you.

In Jesus Christ's name I pray,

Amen