A few years ago, before the arrival of my third son, I had a big scare. My wife, two kids, and I were attending a friend’s birthday pool party. As the party went on, I sat on the edge of the pool when all of a sudden, I started to see stars, then part of my lip became numb, and afterward, I began to lose my vision.

Concerned, I called my wife over and told her what was happening. Immediately she called the host over, which also happened to be a neurosurgeon. She evaluated me and recommended I go to the E.R.

Within a few minutes, we left the party, and I checked into the nearest hospital. After conducting various tests and scans, the doctors came back and said I was slightly dehydrated but saw nothing wrong. They then asked me how stressed I was.

As I recounted everything that was going on in our lives at the time, I realized I was severely stressed. Up until that moment, I hadn’t taken the time to process everything.

Immediately after being discharged, my wife and I made plans for a getaway. I also committed to spend more time in prayer and reading the word. My account reminds me that even Jesus needed to separate time for himself to reflect and gather his thoughts.

All of us, like him, need to invest our time with the Father to refocus and find much-needed peace from everyday life.

Daily Directive:

Read:

Read and meditate on Luke 5:16 for yourself. What does this verse say to you?

Pray:

How do you handle stress and worry? Journal the journey. Be real. Be honest.

Meditate / Make It Real:

How will you start to make time with the Father to help ease your burden? Share this with a fellow brother and have them hold you accountable.