A Quiet Card Game

He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. // Mark 3:9

“Hey, I know you’re tired, but do you want to play a card game or something?”

It was the end of a very long year month week day. I was tired. I wanted to curl up with a book and then go to bed early (and by early, I mean early enough to get a tiny bit of sleep before a kid wakes me up crying, asking for water, wondering why elephants are so big, or just to tell me that planes go fast).

Our family is in a busy season. Between school drop-offs and pick-ups, our work schedules, and the daily tasks, I don’t have much time to sit and have a long (or uninterrupted) conversation with my spouse. Other than our task-oriented quick texts throughout the day, I had missed just talking to him.

And while I recognize my privilege that we both have steady work schedules that allow for family time in the evenings, our time together can be punctuated by mostly adorable interruptions.

“Sure, let’s play.”

It wasn’t about the card game. It was about reconnecting. It was about recognition. We spent time together, and it was life giving in this busy season.

I picture the crowds around Jesus in today’s Gospel–waiting hours or days to see a glimpse of Him or to touch Him. Sister, are you in a busy season in work or home life? Do you feel drained and just need someone to reach out to connect with you? Well, Jesus is there. You don’t even have to fight through crowds of people. He’s there in the Eucharist. He’s there in prayer. He’s there in Scripture. Reconnect with your Beloved Who loves you. What’s holding you back today?

Listen to today's audio devotion.