Slow
What comes to mind when you think of slow? Are there emotions attached to it? Pause for a moment and name yours.
Slow is a comparative word. Slow compared to who or what? I’m a slow skier. I prefer grace and poise over speed and thrill. My husband is a seasoned skier and reaches the bottom of every run before me. He says he doesn’t mind waiting but I wish he didn’t have to.
In school, I was a slow test-taker. I was always the last to finish an exam. It undermined my confidence and I felt stupid for being slow.
I’m a slow reader – always have been. I admire people who devour books and can read a novel in a weekend. I’ve never done that. My FOMO requires I take in every single detail and skimming doesn’t allow for that.
Slow can look like wasting time and time is precious. (Are you tempted to skim as you read this reflection?) Do you often find yourself in a hurry? Is it hard to slow your roll? Does slow have something to do with control? If it’s a speed you resist, what does your resistance tell you?
We can be slow to learn some life lessons like jumping to conclusions, assuming the worst, not counting the cost, confusing quantity with quality. It can take a lifetime to learn the value of being slow to speak and slow to anger. Which life lessons are you slow to learn?
And what happens when God is slow? When your needs aren’t met, or your prayers aren’t answered. When you’ve waited and waited but see no evidence of change, either in yourself or another. Then what?
Do you take matters into your own hands and do everything in your power to make “it” happen? Or do you trust in the One who IS in control, who loves you and has your best interest at heart?
Is there a different way to look at slow? Is a shift in perspective required? Is there merit in taking it slow?
Slow was my word for 2023 and this is what I gained:
· I accepted that I’m slow and experienced greater peace in it.
· I gave up more control and actually worried less.
· Beauty and truth had time to sink deeper into my soul.
“…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry… ”
“Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”
As you walk with the word slow for a day, or a week (or as long as you like), watch for how it shows up in your life. Don’t be quick to move on. Take your time. Talk it over with God. Listen for the Spirit’s nudge and see what stirs in you. Record what you hear.