I have a friend who will often reply to the question, “How are you?” with this response: “Wide open.”  I know what he means, and I’m sure you do too.  Life today throws a schedule at us that often requires full throttle to get through.  For the most part, the activities that crowd our schedules are right and good, things that we enjoy or just simply need to get done.  Even many of the retired folks in our church often comment on this time crunch.  There’s certainly nothing wrong with being busy, staying active, or working hard.  The problem, however, is that many times we find our schedule slowly and steadily making us its slave.  And I’ve observed something interesting on that point.  When enslaved by a schedule, the first things that seem to be set aside or neglected are the spiritual priorities.  Bible study. Prayer. Church attendance. Witnessing.  Then, before we know it, our peace and joy evaporate and spiritual coldness sets in.  We’re not even sure why, but life seems to become one long frustrating grind, just trying to keep up and keep our heads above the floodwaters of all the demands on our time.  God’s Word addresses this problem in 1 Corinthians 6:12 where Paul writes, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient [helpful]: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power [enslaved] of any.”    So here’s something to consider.  Do you set your schedule, and then try to squeeze God in?  Who is in control of your life?  Your Schedule or the Spirit of God?  Slow down.  Evaluate.  Be still and know God (Psalm 46:10).  Give Him control of your time.  Let Him remove or reorganize the things that are keeping you from time with Him or faithfulness to His church.  I promise you; you’ll be amazed at what you’ll still be able to accomplish!  Be “wide open” for God!