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Stay in the journal. Choose a feeling, then open a reading.

I’m tired of auditioning.
Who put that label in charge?
My brain has 47 tabs open.
Can we stop replaying that?
I’ve got something to give. I think.
Full group chat. Nobody to call.
My “yes” is starting to sound cranky.
I’m tired. Is anything growing?
Everything keeps changing. I need something steady.

A page from the journal · Day 63 of 90

Even Jesus Was Not Available for Every Meeting

Open your Bible: Mark 1:32-39 and Luke 5:15-16

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From the journal63 / 90

Everyone is looking for you. At first it sounds like proof that you matter. By evening, there is no part of the day in which you were allowed to be unavailable.

In Mark 1, Jesus leaves a busy place of ministry to pray, then continues to other towns. Luke describes His regular withdrawal for prayer. Real needs exist, yet constant availability doesn't define His obedience.

You're not responsible for reproducing Jesus' mission, and you don't have His unlimited knowledge. You can learn from the attention He gives the Father. Make space to discern what is yours. A quiet interval can support faithful care rather than compete with it. Protect a small period of prayer or rest and let it remain a real appointment.

One response to try

Reserve a manageable period for prayer and rest. Communicate it where needed and keep it.

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You can take this slowly.

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A conversation with room for you

What came up for you?

Answer the brave question, or respond to something that stayed with you.

What good demand regularly crowds out my attention to God and rest?

Write your answer in a journal, or ask a friend the same question this week.

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About this adaptation

Adapted for Soul Snacks from Beloved, Really, Day 63. Original devotion: Jesus Said No. Original full-edition PDF pages 190–191. This is an edited web adaptation, rather than a verbatim book excerpt. The featured verse is also provided as accessible text beside the graphic.

Prepared as an editorial draft. No publication date has been assigned.

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