“Hurry up!”
“Get your shoes on!”
“Stay focused, we need to get going!”
Do you find yourself uttering these words throughout the day? I surely do. Specifically, as we are trying to get out of the door in the morning to start our day. When I reflect and look at this situation as we drive away, I tend to find that we have plenty of time to get to where we are going. There is value in being punctual and honoring commitments, but is there value in the urgency I create?
…We are always in a rush…
That is the sentiment that will stick with my family if I create an environment of haste.
Did you know that the average speed of Jesus as He walked was 3 miles per hour? Can you imagine reducing the speed of your life to 3 mph? The average human walks at a pace of 6-7 mph as they go about their day running errands, working, and cleaning the house. Everything that we do is hurried and reduces our margin in the day where true connection can be made. Look at the example of Jesus and the two blind men as He made His way to Jericho:
“And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’ Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’ So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’”
Matthew 20-30-32(NKJV)
JESUS STOOD STILL. Jesus walked at a pace that created space and time for intentional connection in his ministry. He was able to stop and give sight to these two blind men on His way to somewhere else, presumably important. Dallas Willard, a pioneer in writings on Christian spiritual formation, said this, “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” Jesus traveled near and far in a short span of time but was never mentioned as being hurried. He always made time to pray, eat a meal with others, and serve daily. He chose people over his schedule.
The solutions to a hurried life are simple, but in a culture addicted to rushing, the implementation can feel difficult. As we consider being “all in,” this year, I pray that you would consider how a slower pace can draw you closer to the Lord and strengthen your spiritual walk. Slowing down might include setting aside a small block of time each day to take a walk and enjoy God’s creation, intentionally having your family sit around the dinner table to share a meal and discuss your day, or taking on fewer commitments so that you can be fully present for the things you’ve said “yes” to. However, a slowed pace takes shape in your life, lean into that and ask God how it can be used to impact lives for His glory.
-Will Rodgers
Education E-Team Leader
