But He would withdraw.....

"Soon a large crowd of people had gathered to listen and be healed of their ailments.  As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out of the way places for prayer".  Lk 5:16 (The Message)


"great crowds assembled to listen to Him and to be cured of their ailments, but He would withdraw to deserted places to pray." Lk 5:16 (Laudate)


As I was spending time with my Lord this morning, this scripture spoke to me.  I think that this scripture should speak to all caregivers, mothers, nurses, cops, doctors, priests, etc.  I think that we should study this and see that our Lord and Savior knew, in His wisdom, that He had to carve out time for Himself.  He had constant demands on His time and Energy...."great crowds".....but He would allow Himself to "withdraw to deserted places".


How often do we think that we can do it all?  How often do we refuse help or deny that we need help?  Do we really think that we are proving something?  And if we do, to whom are we proving it?


I think for me the only person I would be proving myself to is me!!!  It is hard for me to swallow my pride and admit that I cannot do it alone.  It is humbling for me to allow others to "do" for me.  It is hard for me to acknowledge that "my way" is not the "only way". 


So every once in a while, my Lord hits me upside the head and says "Just who do you think you are!!"  So I climb down off of that pedestal I try so hard to stay on and I admit that I need to "withdraw" and spend some time rejuvenating so that I am able to come back and cheerfully live as God is requiring of me.