From Rat-Race to Kingdom

How's my joy? Better than last semester.
Stressed? Yeah, but only as expected.
...Ho hum.

I have a suspicion that this is not what God intended our lives to be like. And yet we keep on going, hanging on to that one Kingdom value we know how to apply today. We go on our busy days praying that God give us that "extra strength" as we take our vitamins and be energized with caffeine. After all, we're doing what He's called us to do. ....right? It reminds me of tomorrow's devotion which caught my eye from reading today's. I peeked. It had a section in which it distinguished "Rat-Race values" from "Kingdom Values":

Busyness
Living an unhurried rhythm
Self-sufficiency
Intimacy and Trust
Individualism
Community
Consumerism
Simplicity and Contentment
Competitiveness
Humility

I don't know how to make sense of this.
I mean, the apostle Paul was all for working hard and the "Protestant Work Ethic", and yet our working world seems to have materials and worldly success as its idols. And yes, as Christians, of course, we are mindful of that and make sure that "Jesus comes first". We are. Aren't we? We do.... right? Which is why our physical and spiritual health come before making money. And surely, our time with God is never put aside to make room for just one more meeting because of conflict in schedules. And of course, we don't always make the excuse that "God will understand that this week is just way too busy. We can pray while we work". ....right?

Hmmmm...
Where is the balance?

I want to be a good ambassador for Jesus, but I think I should want to just be all for Jesus first.

So how do I do that?
Jesus said that his yoke is easy, his burden is light.
Did I take up the world's burdens instead?

All I know is I have not truly been faithful with my Sabbath-keeping.
I am sustained by His grace alone. And because of His grace, I strive to live the Jesus Way better.

Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.