I am such a mess! For the second time within a few weeks I have left my cell phone on the back of my jeep tailgate. Both times I was distracted and not focused on what I was doing. Yesterday after coming home from the grocery store, I laid my phone down so I could grab a couple of bags of groceries. In my mind I was going to come back and get it after grabbing a few more bags, but I ended up staying inside and unloading the groceries while the rest of the crew brought the remaining bags in. My phone fell off the jeep as my husband went to pick up our oldest from tennis practice. There was a couple walking together that witnessed it fall off. They managed to find a way to reply to a group text I was included in to inform others that they had found it unharmed, and they wanted to return it to its owner. So very sweet of them and so very embarrassing for me! Our Coach called my husband to tell him that my phone had been found. Lucky for me this story ends well for the 2nd time, but the real story is that I NEED TO SLOW DOWN!

Lately, I have been hearing this message in many different ways. I have not taken the time to slow down to do anything about it. Today, I am! I awoke to my normal daily devotions sitting in my inbox and in God’s perfect timing here are some of the words I read from the First 15 by Rev. Tina Schramme, Resource and Family Pastor:

 

 

• Do one thing at a time. Quit trying to multi-task. Your brain can do multiple things at once, but your focus can only be on one task at a time.
• Schedule margin (free space), both small amounts and large. Put margin in-between activities, and put large chunks of margin in your day and week.
• Do each thing deliberately and slowly. For example, try savoring your food as you eat.
• Do less.
• Stop for one minute, between activities, and breathe deeply.
• Consciously perceive how you feel when you slow the pace.
• Spend at least 5 minutes each day doing nothing.
• Stop worrying about the future. Instead pray about it and trust that God is with you and for you.
• When you’re talking to someone, be present. Try to hear every word without thinking about your response.

Oh friends, I need to do this. I can get so busy in doing that I am missing out on being present in the lives right in front of me. If this convicts you too then know that you and I are not alone…

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him as they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:30-31

Can you hear Him whisper those words to you? “Come with me, (YOUR NAME HERE), by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest.” I can, and it brings sweet tears. I love that He invites us to come alone with Him. Every time I accept the invitation it is quiet and still. I find rest for my soul. He gives me peace and strength. I am more focused, more encouraged and lifted with hope. My eyes are off of the struggles and trials, and they are on to the One who overcomes all of the struggles and trials. He is my helper, my Savior and friend!

Thank you Jesus for inviting us to slow down. Help us, Lord, to spend time with you and to stop with our busyness. Help us to be intentional with our day and to be present in it. Thank you for loving us so well. Help us to love like you! We adore you! Amen