They call it the runner’s high. That surge of invincibility makes you believe you run on clouds and the miles logged are a breeze. Running on cool, crisp mornings before the world stirred was my favorite. However, as the years passed and life happened, running was tabled.
Then, one day, I was ready to re-engage in that once loved activity, but my knees screamed otherwise: “Over my dead body, are you running anywhere except to get out of the rain.” So walking became the next best thing.
Walking is teaching me about living more slowly. Slow living is entirely counter-cultural. We live in an era where speed, productivity, and performance are our bread and butter. The faster, the better, and the grandeur, the more the reward.
Noticing
When we slow down and look up, we see what’s around us. In an attempt to live more slowly, I have started the practice of noticing people. I am reminded that value, not anonymity, is highlighted when paying closer attention to those whose path I cross.
If I am too busy to notice, I may miss an opportunity for an exchange of blessings: simple things like a smile, a greeting, a word of encouragement, shared laughter, or a helping hand.
Slow living
If Jesus had not practiced slow living and rushed past the Samaritan Woman, told the paralytic and his friends that he was busy teaching, or ignored the hemorrhaging woman, the Gospel message of love, healing, and transformation would have been lost. Jesus’ pace was slow and intentional.
He always had time for people. He had time for conversations, boating and fishing, sitting on the beach and cooking over an open fire. Imagine if Jesus had hurried around, sprinting through his ministry, cramming in 20-hour work days with no rest; after all, He only had three years to complete His ministry and mission.
What, then, would have been sacrificed? We would have lost a heart-to-heart connection. And what does that connection do? It heals, restores, and transforms, reminding us we are seen, valued, and loved.
Who is being highlighted for you today?
2 Responses
Thank you for these wise words. The Lord has been talking to me about this lately. What I have justified as being efficient (which is not a bad thing)
Is actually just rushing to get more done and breeds impatience in my spirit. I am missing those God moments and not trusting that He has given me enough time to do the things I should do in the day.
Trusting in the Lords perfect timing for all things in my day. Hard to stay grounded in that truth in this busy world.
Right there with you. Such a difficult lesson which I am reviewing over and over again. Thanks for your words of wisdom, to look for the God moments. Our days are filled with them!