Hurry May Lead to Regret

"We're a species that rushes through everything, then complains that time flies." It's true, time does fly! It is also true that many of us always seem to be in a rush to get somewhere or get something done.  The Bible puts it this way … “life is but a vapor” … In my mind, that’s another way of saying “POOF, and then it’s gone”! Vapor indicates the brevity of human life. It appears for a very short time and then it quickly disappears! I was reminded of this very thought when I recently heard of a friend from elementary school who recently passed away. He was 60 years old, and yet, still too young to die! My thoughts immediately went to a BLOG I wrote in June of 2023, titled “How to Live Your Dash” – the time between birth and death! What do we want to be remembered for? Always being in a rush, overwhelmed, frustrated, unable to spend energy on what is truly important?  Or do we want deeper relationships, spiritual growth, and a more fulfilling life in contrast to the exhaustion and distraction of daily busyness? I know what I want, but often do not show it by my actions!  Fast-paced seems to suit my driven personality, but my heart yearns for deeper relationships and spiritual growth!

Life shows us lessons all the time if we are willing to notice. We should use these lessons to promote change. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE! Coming home from Wisconsin, just recently, I listened to a book by John Mark Comer named the “Ruthless Elimination of Hurry”. It was recommended to me by someone I dearly admire. Let me just say, EYE-OPENING from the first chapter. I found myself saying, “Yep, that’s me!”  “Yep, that is exactly how I respond.” Then I thought, it's no wonder why I am overwhelmed and tired. Absolutely no surprise at all!  So, what do I do with this information? Continue down the same path or take actions to promote change?

I do not believe in “coincidences”! I wholeheartedly believe that God sovereignly orchestrates everything together for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28-29)! Was it a coincidence that I listened to this book on my way home, and then a week later, someone I knew died? Was it a coincidence that I am currently overwhelmed and asking God why He is allowing these circumstances in my life? Again, NO! God allowed these things in my life to get my attention!  Because He loves me, He works to help me grow! He reminded me of Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. A verse I remember well, but constantly forget!  How do I begin down the path to rest? I need to remain faithful to taking small steps:

1. Create a dedicated time for quiet. No distractions. I use this time for prayer and reading God’s Word. I journal things I am learning because I have proven repeatedly that I need to be reminded!

2. Observe a regular day of rest and worship to energize me for the coming week. I have been doing this on a half-hearted basis for years. I sometimes use Sundays to run errands, finish work activities that will make for a lighter week, etc.

3. Prioritize OTHERS and meaningful relationships. People have always been my treasure. Funny! You would never believe that by the way I hurry through life! I want to be more intentional showing others that I treasure them.

4. SLOW DOWN! I don’t always have to be in the fast lane! I need to cultivate patience and a slower lifestyle.

Steps of action in the right direction will become habit in no time! The first steps of change always seem to be the most difficult, but I am determined to keep trying!