Eliminate Hurry

SEEK TO SLOW DOWN TO MAKE SPACE IN OUR LIVES TO LOVE GOD AND OTHERS.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” —Matthew 11:28-29

When you pay attention to how people speak in our area, you learn a lot. Ask someone “how are you doing?” And you’re sure, 80% of the time, to hear the answer “Busy.” It’s a badge of honor. “How many days of vacation do you get?”, “Well I get 4 weeks but I never take it all, too busy getting things done.” If achievement is the key to a good life, the way we live must be “busy.” 

How might we affirm this?

Well, as with “Rest in Christ”, we can affirm that it’s not a bad thing to want to do good in the world. And we can affirm that many situations require hurry. A trip to the Emergency Room should be hurried! 

How might we need to challenge that?

It’s nearly universal, that all the great examples of faith agree, the enemy to spiritual growth is “hurry.” Having a full schedule and being “hurried” are two different things. Hurry is a state of mind and can keep us so focused on “the next thing” we forget to be present where we are at. 

Therefore, we need to learn to slow down. The gospel allows us to rest in Christ's record, so if we can be freed up from needing to build our record with achievement in every waking moment, we might be able to make space in our schedules. Space to be with people in community, Space to be with God, Space to be in his word, space to allow ourselves to think, reflect, and grow.