Time is a remarkably equitable gift.
— Steven McKinley

Before my week started, I knew it was going to be one of those weeks. My appointment book told the coming story: worship services, meetings, classes, appointments, counseling sessions were lined up from Sunday morning through Friday afternoon, like soldiers in an unbroken line. Then, on Friday evening, we would begin the annual twenty-four-hour retreat of our governing board, bringing me home early Saturday evening — only to begin that hectic routine again. On top of that, we were in a building program at the time, and every day I anticipated having to iron out wrinkles and answer questions.

Every morning I was out the door by 7:00. I ate lunch at my desk, dashed home for a quick dinner, and then headed out again, making it home in time only to watch the late-night news and fall asleep in my chair during the weather. By midweek I was feeling frazzled and only semi-prepared for the responsibilities in front of me. Wherever I went, I was ...