Training? Practice?

What is your favorite hobby, sport or pastime?  I mean your favorite thing "to do" when you are relaxing, taking vacation and/or actually have some spare/free time.  Ya'll know mine is my needlework - especially the knitting and quilting.  They are more than 'just' a hobby, for me, they are the way I can keep my fingers busy so I can pay attention - in classes or meetings.  Even more important, for me, they are a way of spending time listening for what God is trying to tell me.  How do you do that?  Do you garden? Fish? Draw?  What ever it is you do are you at the same skill level you started at?

Our Scripture readings today are in Samuel 17 and Mark 6.  Jesus is working with the disciples, just back from being "sent out."  They have "reported to him all they had done and taught." (v. 30) They are so busy they do "not even have a chance to eat" Jesus says "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (v. 31)  David also points out God's help and the training/practice he has had by referring to protecting the sheep from lions and bears.  He also tells Saul "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine." (v. 37)

The Disciples, and David, have had "practice/training" at what they are doing.  Time with God, learning and growing their skills.  David will spend a lot of time with God sharing thoughts, praises and prayers -- we call it the book of Psalms.  They spent time actually "doing" what God called them to AND the time with God.

Do we do that?  We take continuing education for our jobs, our careers, even for a favorite hobby.  Do we take Bible studies to strengthen our relationship with God?  Do we take time with God?  Is it easy? No!  Do we need it? YES!!  How can you "come away" (Mark 6:31) with God each​ day?