Today I’m reminded to just slow down.
Maybe it’s the beautiful warm sunshine on my skin. Or perhaps it’s the chill music as I’m exiting Panera after enjoying my favorite spinach artichoke quiche. Maybe it’s because my husband is out rock-climbing with the guys for the first time since his knee injuries, and I’ve got free time.
Whatever the reason, I know the quiet voice of God is saying, “Be still.” So, I put the weight of all my stuff in the car and meandered back to the vacant outdoor patio. Feet up on chair, with only a iced green tea and phone in hand.
Wow. I feel so light! And then I think, “WHY is this not my regular pastime?” Why am I always rushing through parking lots? Getting meals to go? Running through checklists? Always on the go. Go, go, go.
I need to Just.Slow.Down.
Slowing Down with Purpose
Then I realize, it’s not just about slowing down. It’s about slowing down with
And as I’m watching people…it hits me.
People-watching used to be an art. A fun way to pass time. Is it just me, or does it seem a little creepy in our modern era? Is it because we are so disconnected with the world around us? Too engrossed in our smartphones and tablets? Our own busyness? Are we so focused on ourselves or our own small circles that we forget to look outward? So on-the-go, we forget this part of slowing down – the being watchful part?
What If We Slowed Down?
What if we slowed our pace, sat outside, watched a bird watching people, listened to traffic and conversations…real people and real conversations, acknowledged strangers passing by, what then? Maybe we would bring back another “lost art.” And maybe, we’d glean–and give–something of value.
If I hadn’t needed to run errands today, I might not have left the house. It might have been a different kind of “slow down” day. I might have spent the day in front of Netflix, playing games on my phone, wishing I had something better to do. And calling it “slow…”
And I would have missed all this meaningful, valuable, slow down, people-watching, bird-watching, God-tugging-on-my-heart fun.
What do you need to do (or not do), to ‘Just Slow Down’ today?
I love the way Isaiah 30:18 reads in the Amplified version:
And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
[John 14:3, 27; 2 Cor. 12:9; Heb. 12:2; 1 John 3:16; Rev. 3:5]
It’s so true! I love people watching, but it’s very frowned on in our society.
This is a great reminder. Not only to slow down, but to slow down with purpose. I love it. Thank you for sharing!
We don’t take time to notice people anymore. We miss so many chances to connect and build unity and witness.
Slowing down has made my life so much more productive. Although I have to admit that being an empty nester has helped.
Love this post, Tina!! Such a great reminder to be present, look away from our screens and remember there are others out there to enjoy, or learn from, or meet. And it’s a truly amazing thing that God is earnestly waiting to be gracious to us – why do we wait to run to him??
Such a great reminder! I often need the reminder to slow down and really listen to what God has to say to me. I’m always rushing around and I probably miss many small blessings!
What a great perspective…”slowing down with a purpose.” I’m an on the go go-getter always and sometimes forget to just have peace…relax..enjoy life around me. And you’re right, I believe this is what God wants for us.
I’m learning to appreciate the value of slowing down. As someone who always goes, goes, goes, slowing down is hard – but when I allow myself to do it, it feels downright decadent.
Yes to all of this! So often I get so busy or I do slow down but my ears are not open to listen. Thank you!
We always need a reminder to slow down! I know I was just feel frustrated with my running today so I appreciate the thought!
It makes such a difference when we slow down in the craziness of life!
This is a really excellent post. I really appreciate your emphasis on slowing down with purpose; so important!
Thank you all for sharing and encouraging! Praying over all of us, that we each are blessed with (and allow ourselves time for) special moments that are ‘slowed down with purpose’. May we hear the Lord & sense His closeness even more. In Jesus Name.