4:355 – Slow Down, Keep Moving

#faithbites #fiathjourner slow

Setting

This is my second day on Christmas vacation but I feel I’m working more (professional and home stuff) than I did when I wasn’t on vacation. While this may be the happiest time of the year, I also think it’s the busiest time of the year. Two weeks off sounds great, but there just seems to be so much to do. So today, we will go to call and ask him to help us slow down, but keep moving.

Today’s Questions: How do you balance rest, recovery, and work? What do you do when there just seems to be too much to do?

Scripture

• Psalm 27:13-14 – I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
• James 5:7-8 – Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Reflection

First, we need to think about why we are so busy. Are we doing things to just do them and fill our empty God-hole? Maybe we are doing them because we think we have to rather than just live the great life God gave us. In James, we see the image of the farmer waiting for the fruits of the earth. What we need to remember is the farmer sowed his crops first, then waited knowing that everything will come in due time. He couldn’t force them to come quicker, nor can we if we try to just go go go. We need to balance, plan, relax, and wait for the Lord. He will make our paths straight, we just have to listen to him.

As we close, remember the Christmas season can be crazy busy and stressful. Make a plan, understand what is important and not, and take solace that God will make everything ok. Just slow down but keep following His plan.

Prayer

Lord God thank you for giving us purpose and thank you for your Son who we celebrate. Sometimes we are moving so fast and we are doing it, just to move fast. Lord help us to slow down, but still keep you and your plan in our hearts. We pray that you help us balance the work, the play, and the rest. We pray this in your name, Amen.