Speed of Life

Beware the barrenness of a busy life. –Socrates


Busy, busy, busy. Busy as bees. We text on our phones while we binge-watch a TV series or ballgame we were too busy to watch the first time it aired. We return phone calls while we drive. Dinner in the microwave because we are too busy to shop, let alone cook. Power smoothies, power workouts—power naps.

We have this incredible notion that everything is urgent, everything needs to be done now—and everything needs to be done by us. Somehow, it seems, if we take a day off just to breathe, the world just might fall off its axis. We are too busy to take a break.

Truth is, we are too busy not to take a break. Our bodies and our spirits crave a little down time. Even God took a Sabbath, and here’s a news flash: We are not God. (No, really!)

When was the last time . . . you stopped? Just quit what you were doing and literally walked away into silence? When was the last time you chose no-watching over binge-watching? Turned off the music in your car—instead of turning it up? The Almighty speaks more loudly in the silence of your soul than any other way. Are you ready—and willing—to listen?

Slow down. Way, way down. Take a break. Not because you’ve earned it, but because your body needs to recharge, to have a chance to rest and restore. And because your heart yearns for solace, for time in the wonderful, loving bosom of the Lord. What’s stopping you from stopping?

Monday Pray for students and teachers as the school year winds down. Give thanks for summer programs that offer love, learning-- and sometimes, food to families while school is out. Matthew 19:13-14

Tuesday Pray for parents and families as summer comes upon us. Give thanks for all families-- and for families separated by circumstances. Ruth 1:15-18

Wednesday Pray today for our ministry with Mary B. Martin School as the school year draws to a close. Give thanks for those who give of their time and gifts to this outreach. Consider how you might participate. Matthew 25:31-36

Thursday As you pray, seek to identify one thing in your life that takes time away from family, friends or God. Just for today—do less. Psalm 130:5-6

Friday Pray today for eyes that can see the extraordinary in our ordinary, everyday world. Give thanks for the obvious. Psalm 145:14-16

Saturday During your prayer time, lean into the silence. Listen more, speak less. Breathe. Relax; refresh; rejoice. 1 Kings 19:11-13

Sunday As we greet one another, share with one (or more than one) person a time when they have been light in your life. Give thanks for your church community of love and life. Acts 2:42-47

No matter how busy you are, you must take the time to make the other person feel important. 
–Mary Kay Ash


(P. S. You are important in my life, and I am grateful—for you.)

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