The Virtue of Slowing Down

• I often drive ten mph faster than I should in an effort to shave a mere five minutes off my commute. Is it really worth the stress?
• Have so-called labor saving devices (car, computer, iPhone) actually given us more margin in our schedules, or are we now busier than ever?  
• How long has it been since you last took the time to prepare and savor a leisurely meal?
• Instead of re-checking our emails, how much more fulfilling would it be to spend that time reading a bedtime story to the delight of an adoring child?

You get the gist of it. We’re living life at breakneck speed with no sign of slowing down.

It’s no wonder so many of us become nostalgically immersed in the old TV series, The Andy Griffith Show. We love to identify with the beloved characters, Andy and Barney, as they peacefully repose on the front porch while sipping their bottles of pop. We feel we’re right there with them amidst the twitter of birds, fragrance of jasmine, and the soothing comfort of a gentle breeze. Why, just the thought of it induces a deep, measured breath and a calming sigh.

So, is this to be our lives then? Zooming past the simple pleasures of life, piling on trivial tasks at an ever-increasing rate, all in a futile attempt to “get ahead”? It doesn’t have to be. Jesus invites us to a different life entirely…a life of restfulness and peace: ”Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) 

I gratefully accept. And on that note, I think I’ll stop writing, go sit on the porch with Jesus, sip a bottle of pop, and enjoy this gorgeous spring day.  

I hope this encourages you to stop and smell the roses today.