Living fast paced is something Californians get conditioned with. I have lived a life of speed going from achievement to the next achievement, to accolade to the next accolade. Where do we stop and smell the roses that life blooms? It was not until recently that I have learned to slow down and simply enjoy life. As a child and a teenager, I was a natural performer. I enjoyed entertaining and making people happy. It was not until I found out that I would sacrifice myself, my self-worth and value, for a good laugh or to be in good terms with someone.
Where does the race start and begin? When did anyone ever tell me that I would strive for perfection, and this drive would leave me feeling empty and so dry? We need to be reminded that we are more than our achievements and accolades!
Just this week, I started a book called Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path by Erin Loechner. I am in the middle of reading it, and instead of speed reading like I tend to do, I am choosing to "chase slow". What does this look like?
Honestly, I got the chance to apply this idea of "chasing slow" in my church's prayer night. My pastor spoke about the power of confession, and at the time, my mind was so pre-occupied with doing. I was dismissing and filtering his message, because in my mind, I had better things, more productive things to do, than to pray or confess. Believe me, was I wrong.
He challenged us to confess to those in our prayer group and share any confessions we had to receive their support, care, and love in prayer. I am so conditioned like many other Californians to speed through life, to get to the weekend or the next vacation, to get that task done. We miss out on so much, because we are on the chase for more never less.
During the prayer time, I took time to slow down and be in the moment. I was able to really see others for what they were going through. I was able to hear their prayer, their heart, because I was all there. I was not somewhere else thinking of how to accomplish my entire to-do list. I was in that moment, and it felt good! I did not feel like I was mindlessly or heartlessly jumping from one task to another. I was all there, all present.
When do we ever give ourselves permission to be ALL there with those around us? I encourage you today to chase slow instead of more. Slow down and be with the people around you and give your tasks your full effort and attention. Be amazed on what God does when we choose to live life not divided or distracted.
TAKE AWAY:
1) God is more interested in us being all here instead of mindlessly and heartlessly being everywhere.
2) Less is sometimes more.
MEDITATION:
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
DAILY CHALLENGE:
1) What are areas in your life that you tend to not be fully present? How could you be more present in those moments?
2) What is an area that you can chase slow instead of chasing more?