A Life Worth Living

Slowing and Resting

I am not a runner or jogger or a slogger (slow jogger), no, what I do is walk. No great agenda when I set out other than to keep my feet moving. And as I take in the morning breeze at this self-set pace, I attend to my thoughts and emotions. What I find often is a disquieted soul. Will this work out? Will my kids be okay? Many worries and fears about tomorrow. I see what’s going on internally and release my anxious thoughts. With each step, I make my prayer to God, and I keep going until … until my soul is quiet, restful, and unburdened. I’m not in a hurry. This is what most summer mornings were for me. That is why I love Summer, my friend, whose company is always welcome. She forces me to slow down, to take long unhurried pauses and enjoy the things that matter. She invites me to deepen relationships and discover new passions. Two precious gifts she always gives me are time and rest. Oh summer, how I will miss you when you’re gone.

As I say goodbye to this treasured friend, I have a sense of nostalgia. I don’t want to go back to the fast-paced life, yet I am pulled inevitably toward it by time’s irreversible onward march. Oh, the packed schedule that awaits and the giant to-do list. There’s no escaping the grind of life under the sun.

I have this nagging thought; is it possible to experience all of life in the slowness of summer? Is it possible to be unhurried enough to make time for the things that matter most? Mathew 11:28 presents us with the words of Jesus, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”  This verse is a reminder to me that there’s soul rest to be had in all seasons but I need to avail myself. This rest doesn’t come automatically. It requires a response to Jesus’ invitation (and really, command) to come! I must make time. You and I must make time to go to God and receive the rest He offers. Time to practice the art of slowing and resting.

The solution appears simple,” make time”, but it’s surprisingly difficult to execute. How can we make time ?

Dear friend, as you schedule work, after school activities, grocery runs, and exercise, schedule time for the things that are most important. Block off time on your calendar for the essential things like going to Christ with your weary soul. Protect that time by saying no, even to good things.

As we wrap up the summer, I hope we will learn to linger in the unhurried life.