John R. O'Neil, in his book The Paradox of Success, tells about a psychologist who was once summoned for a delicate interview with a top executive who had been acting oddly. Every Wednesday afternoon, this hard-charging company man would leave his office for a 3:00 P.M. appointment and did not return. He never told anyone where he went, but because he was observed entering a nearby apartment building, it was assumed he must be visiting a mistress.

Not so. The executive explained his habit to the psychologist quite easily. Inside Apartment 2B waited, not a luscious blonde, but a professional woodworking shop that he had set up, where he labored happily to turn out furniture and knick-knacks.

He kept his special appointment with himself faithfully because it was his retreat from the demands he fulfilled so carefully day in and day out. He needed this chance to be alone with himself, engaged in an activity that took his mind far from the job and focused his attention in a calming way. The psychologist pronounced him eminently healthy. This was the man's retreat from pressing responsibilities.

You have to admire Jesus' commitment to maintaining balance in his life. The Savior took time to go apart. Many of us could learn from him. We, too, need a time apart. As someone has said, we need to go apart before we come apart. So here Jesus is on retreat. And this woman will not leave him alone. Maybe it was her timing.