Learning To Do Life In the Slow Lane
Maybe it’s just me but it seems like even though we’re experiencing longer days for the summer (thanks, Daylight Savings), our days still seem to be going by faster and faster. It seems like a minute is 30 seconds, an hour is really 45 minutes and a day seems like 15 hours instead of its regular 24.
Knowing this, it makes me feel like time really isn’t on our side, especially if you’re in a season of waiting. There’s so much to do and very limited time to do it. For some, people celebrate this concept. For others, it feels downright scary.
This past Saturday morning, I had my one-on-one candid time with God. In my prayer journal, I said that “time itself and His timing has to be the most fascinating and frustrating thing at the same time.” (No pun intended). Here I am waiting on some things to happen in my life and it feels like time is running out. That’s when God had me read an email devotional that was about slowing down and taking my time. I have to say that this email devotional blessed me tremendously.
In the email, the author wrote about how he was taking the time to be intentional and take his time when it comes to the things of life. He said that His life became so much richer and fuller because he slowed his pace of living. He had more time to do the things that he loved because of him taking His time. Then he goes to mention that Jesus was never really in a hurry.
As I pondered what I read for a moment, I realized that what he said was true. I’ve never read a scripture stating that Jesus “ran somewhere” or “hurried to some place”. Even when Lazarus, a dear friend of His, was sick, Jesus wasn’t in a hurry to heal him. In fact, Jesus waited until Lazarus DIED. Some may count Jesus’ unhurried pace of Lazarus’ healing as a sign of Him being uncaring or lazy but that wasn’t the case. (John 11:1,5,13,21)
Despite what it looked like, Jesus was very intentional about His delay even though people didn’t understand it. Jesus’ slow and unhurried pace gave way to a much bigger miracle that would blow everyone’s mind. He didn’t heal Lazarus, He raised him from the DEAD! (John 38-44) Lazarus’ resurrection from death proved to be a much richer experience than healing. Although, healing is still amazing too.
Living life in the fast lane leaves very little to no room to enjoy and take in the wonderful things that God has for us. It even leaves little room to enjoy Him.
The world, our to-do list, TV, and everyone else tells us that we need to do “this” or “that” right now or else. It’s no wonder why we’re anxiety-ridden. We try to do it all and do it all at one time.
Even though it seems like time may be racing against us, I also see it from another perspective. The little time that we do seem to have is precious and we cannot waste another moment of it. Knowing this causes us to look at our hearts and do an audit of how well we are stewarding our time that’s given, whether a little or a lot.
Sometimes, I feel like experiencing life in the slow lane feels like a double-edged sword. I often feel guilty because I feel like I should be doing “this task” or “that project.” However, I’ve discovered that in the slow moments, the intentionally slow moments, that’s where the beauty and joy is made.
For example, my best moments with Jesus are when our time together is unhurried. No protocols, programs, or pressure. It’s just me, Him, His word, and my notebook. The slowness gives way to this rich intimacy that deep inside Him and I always craved. I’ve also noticed that when I slow down and enjoy life I can focus on what I need to do. Less mistakes are made and I can actually enjoy what I’m doing or be in the moment.
Though it may look and sound countercultural (and it is), Jesus was definitely onto something when He lived unhurried.
How much different would our businesses, ministries, relationships, and our lives be if we took time to live unhurried?
Not everything requires us to live like life's fire alarm is constantly pulled while living in panic mode. However, living life in the slow lane isn’t a pass to be lazy either. God’s version of slowness shows that we can still live and enjoy life in and out of time. It also helps us to embrace the phrase, “God’s timing, not mine.”
May you experience the richness and satisfaction of living life in the slow lane with Christ.
I know this may look and feel countercultural and foreign but how are you intentional about living life a little slower or in the slow lane completely? How can you make time to slow down and enjoy life and Jesus right now? Let’s talk in the comments.
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