Life seems to move a million miles an hour sometimes, and there’s nothing we can do about it. We can’t slow down time, as hard as we may try! Yet, we can slow ourselves down. We can be intentional about taking in moments. When things get overwhelmingly busy, we can un-load our schedule.
Slow Down Like a Child
My kids are often the ones who end up reminding me why slowing down is important, without even realizing it. As I’m busy rushing them, trying to get everyone dressed, fed, and out the door on time, they get distracted, noticing things around them, playing, goofing off with each, etc. They’re just living their life without a clock dictating their every move.
The other day we were walking down the hill back to our house, and my youngest was taking her time, exploring everything there was to see, caught up in the flowers and butterflies. I almost let out another, “Come on, girl, let’s go!” But, instead, I decided to keep quiet. I watched her taking in the beauty of God’s creation. When we got home, she excitedly pulled out this flower she picked and said, “This is for you, Momma!”
I almost cried. How thankful I was that I had not rushed her in that moment. I ignored the false sense of urgency I so often have in my head. I put aside the fact that I was too hot standing there waiting (and found some shade). In watching her, I realized it was I that needed to slow down, not she that needed to keep up.
Designed for Rest
There’s a couple quotes on the subject that I love and am constantly reminding myself of:
“If we’re too busy to pray and spend time in God’s Word, we’re busier than He ever intended us to be.”
“Yes, kids slow you down, but maybe that’s the point”
As moms, with a million things on our plates, rest can be so difficult. Yet, it’s so important that we slow down our hamster-wheel-brains every once in awhile. Take in the moments that matter. Be intentional with your relationships – about spending time with Jesus and with your loved ones.
Stop and admire creation for a minute. Gaze at the beautiful sunset. Close your eyes and listen to a stream of water flowing. Literally, stop and smell the flowers. These moments are so helpful in reminding us we’re not just living; we’re alive.
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