Could Jesus Be Inviting You Into a Slower Pace of Life?
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Photo by Altansukh E on Unsplash
Mrs. Mitchell* stood in the hallway, watching as I slithered my legs into my snow pants, slipped my feet into my boots, zipped my body into my coat, settled my hat on my head, and inched my hands into my mittens.
Then she said something to me that I’ve never forgotten: “You’re as slow as molasses in January.”
At seven years old, I didn’t know what molasses was or what relation it might have to January, but I knew my teacher’s words were intended as a criticism, not a compliment.
In her defense, I was usually the last student to finish dressing for recess. I’m sure the poor woman just wanted me to get to the playground so she could have a few minutes alone, and I’m confident she didn’t mean any harm by her words. Yet I’ve never forgotten the message her statement communicated: I was slow, and slow was not good.
I’ve never been a fast-paced person, and my second-grade teacher is just one of many who have commented—or complained—about that fact. Because of these comments and complaints, I’ve spent most of my life trying to move faster. But last year, I read something that made me think, Maybe, instead of trying to change my pace, I should embrace it.
In his book An Unhurried Life, Alan Fadling shares about a moment when he felt God telling him to adjust his speed—and God wasn’t telling him to increase it. Rather, “Jesus was inviting me to slow down the pace of everything I did,” Fadling says.
All my life, I’ve felt the need to hurry. But now I find Jesus giving me the same invitation He gave Alan Fadling: Slow down.
So I’m doing my best to unhurry my life and my heart. I’m learning to accept my slower-paced nature and to walk with my Shepherd beside quiet—not frenzied—waters. I’m learning to find rest in the rhythms of the One Who never hurries His sheep.
Do you feel the pressure to hurry? Unlike my second-grade teacher, God is not frustrated with your pace. Rather, He extends endless grace. As you spend time with Him today, I encourage you to ask Him to reveal any areas in your life where He is inviting you to slow down.
❤️ In purpose and faith,
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
This devotion was originally published by The Joyful Life.
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