Here in the Bay Area, there's always something to do, someplace beautiful to see, someone interesting to meet with. It's probably the same in most urban areas. And that's a problem with urban life. We don't run by the natural cycles of God's creation. Everything is artificial: our light, our food production, our work.

So why slow down?

God wants us to depend on him. We can't do that if we're always going on our own schedule. God wants us available to serve him. We can't do that if every moment is already filled. God knows our limitations. We will burn out if we keep going at such a frantic pace. God knows our tendency to err. We will make mistakes if we never take time to stop and listen to him.

Find some time to slow down and seek Him.

I like to read the newspaper in the morning. The front section is more ads than content, and most of that is pulled off of wires. But the local section! Names and places I know are everywhere. Events that directly effect my life are covered in detail. There’s so much good stuff in there, whether it’s bridge construction, school policy or the newest restaurant.

Next stop: the web, for better state, national and international news. I like to get liberal, conservative and moderate interpretations of events, so that I can make up my own mind about whatever topic might get talked about: Social Security, the Sudan, FOX’s lineup. After an hour I’ve got a good formed opinion.

But then I turn to Scripture and have a hard time getting motivated to sit and learn from God. It all seems so distant, unchanging, and repetitive. Where’s the new information, the unique spin, the snarky commentary? The problem is I’m looking for Scripture to do something God never intended. And that’s a good thing. Because the news information gets repetitive too; the same problems repeating themselves, just different names, places and events. Being informed just seems to be a ticklish fancy.

I think I need to take a break from all of this news information. I need an appreciation for that eternal truth that doesn’t change, that stands firm each day, and is worth repeating each day. As Tony Campolo has said to Gordon MacDonald: "Remember, Gordon, today's paper with your name and picture in it, will line the bottom of someone's birdcage tomorrow." (http://www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletter/2005/cln50404.html)

Gay marriage
Before we ever get to this issue, we need to ask, where are you with God? Are you following Jesus? If not, that's where we need to start, whether the issue is homosexual activity, infidelity in a heterosexual marriage or struggling with pornography. All of which is outside of God's plan: one man, one woman, in a one flesh relationship for life.