Religion: A Pastor Ponders

Keeping Pace With The Soul

By Pastor William Jenkins

May 15, 2007

A missionary told of hiring a company of natives to carry his goods through the African jungle. Being anxious to arrive at his destination the missionary drove them at a quick pace day after day. One morning the natives refused to pack up and break camp. The missionary was impatient and demanded, “Why don’t they get up and get started?” The leader of the group replied, “No, Massa, they are not moving today. They say they have to wait for their souls to catch up with their bodies.”

In the hectic pace of modern life so many people are outrunning their souls. God designed a healthy life to have a balanced work-rest-worship cycle. God never intended that we should outrun our souls. On one occasion when things were really happening and their ministry was exhilarating Jesus said to his disciples, “Come aside with me and rest a while.” (Mark 6:30,31)

Toki Miyashina has written the Twenty-third Psalm for busy people.

The Lord is my pacesetter, I shall not rush. He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals, He provides me with images of stillness that restore my serenity; He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind and His guidance is peace. Even though I have a great many things to accomplish today, I will not fret, for His presence is with me; His timelessness, His all-importance will keep me in balance. He prepares refreshments and renewal in the midst of my activity by anointing my mind with the oils of tranquility. My cup of joyous energy overflows. Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours, for I shall walk at the pace of my Lord and dwell in His house forever.

League City United Methodist Church is located at 1411 Main Street (FM 518), one block east of Interstate 45. For information, call the church offices at 281-332-1557 or visit the website at

HYPERLINK - http://www.lcumc.org