Slowness

Why are we rushing so much? Why are we striving? Why is it so much distraction nags at us? Where has the simplicity of living gone? Why does it feel strenuous, unfamiliar, unproductive to just sit? To just be? To just wonder?

Today we can change things. Today we don’t have to hurry. Today we can take each moment as it comes. Today we can appreciate the little things. We can establish what’s important and draw a boundary line to what’s not. Today we can fill our lives with prayer – with being right there where we are – with lifting up the cup of our lives to the King in a great surrender. God knows what we need far better than we do (Matthew 6:8). Today we can fill our lives with gratitude. We can choose a slowness, a surrendered way of living and being.

May we remember that we are but a vapor (Psalm 78:39 He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return / James 4:14 you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes), here today and maybe gone tomorrow. So breathe in this precious holy moment, this gift of life. Cherish the warmth of the day – let it sink into your skin. Let go of all pain – surrender those body and soul aches to the One who takes care of those things (1 Peter 5:7 cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you). Be present before God: allow Him to take your hand and walk you through meadows, restoring your soul (Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul). May your heart be like a flower blooming before Him – open wide in wonder and belief and letting His light penetrate every part of you (Matthew 6:22 if you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light). 

Open and willing to accept slowness as a good speed for your life. 

Letting your sweet contentedness rise up in a pleasing aroma to our God.

(Matthew 6:6 Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.)