Slow Down 

   “Never be in a hurry: do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.  Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” St. Francis de Sales 

   Everyone is in a hurry these days.  Fast food, instant coffee, instant oatmeal, drive thru restaurants and banks.  Speed limits are ignored, and everyone drives as if the world depended on making that next light, even if they must speed up to do so.

   With God there is no time, all is now.  I know that we are bound by time, but we too must focus on the now.  What just happened is gone and what the future holds or even if there is a future is pure speculation.  In the hectic life so many live there is no calm, no inner peace, just the urge to hurry to the next minute.  Speed causes chaos and chaos steals inner peace.

   When we slow down we become aware of so many things that we miss in our attempts to live at the speed of light.  Take a moment to gaze at the sunrise or enjoy the sound of a gentle rain falling and you will find the peace that is supposed to be within.  Hang a bird feeder and take the time to watch nature.  Glory in the beauty of God’s creation and give Him thanks.

   Spend quiet time with God in prayer and contemplation.  Don’t watch the clock, just close your eyes, open your heart, and bask in His presence.  Let the cares and concerns of the world fade away for a time and regain the calmness of heart and soul.

   Time will no longer exist when we pass from this life to the next.  There will be no hurrying, no rushing, just love, peace and joy.  We can enjoy those things in this life as well if we just slow down and live in the presence of our Lord.  In our haste, we make life a burden rather than a joy.