Key Bible Verse: But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer (Luke 5:16). Bonus Reading:Matthew 26:36-46

Author Richard Swenson warns that modern progress tends to damage the areas that matter most—our relationships. This erosion occurs because "progress" influences us to live with less margin. Technology complicates life by adding to our responsibilities and choices for information and entertainment. Economic progress typically leads to more work and debt. And by living without margin in the use of our bodies, money, and time, we eventually collapse.

We can begin to restore margin by scheduling freedom from some things and freedom for some things. Schedule freedom from busywork. Thought there's always plenty of it, avoid housework on Sunday. Schedule freedom from commerce. One day a week forget buying and selling to focus on giving. Schedule freedom from electronic communication and entertainment. If you stare at a computer at work or watch TV most weeknights, make Sunday different. Schedule freedom for the most important things in life. Replenish your body and soul with rest, solitude, and reading. Spend time with your immediate and local church family.

My Response: Which of these four freedoms will I begin to schedule first?

Thought to Apply: One hour of thoughtful solitude may nerve the heart for days of conflict—girding up its armor to meet the most insidious foe.