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Romans 12:2
Encouragement to fulfill God's purpose through Practical Life Application and Navigation

Sometimes God Forces the Slow Down

I know SO MANY PEOPLE sick this holiday season. My heart aches for them, and my tummy aches too. Lindon and I got the ‘bug’ a couple of weeks ago. We dubbed it ‘fast and furious’ and it was every bit of that. It hit us hard and we could do nothing but lay around for an entire day. Nothing. But fortunately, it was only one day!

 

Last week my back went out. First time in a very long time, so no complaints, but it definitely slowed Mrs. Speedy down.

 

And I’ve been a little distracted. Distracted by fun! I’ve been enjoying the spirit of the Christmas season, having a blast celebrating with those I love and spending time soaking it all in. There has been very little stress or rushing about (except for when we almost missed the Polar Express train ride, but I’ll save that for another story…), yet instead, an intentional choice to embrace this amazing time of year. It has truly been glorious.

 

Why don’t I do this all the time?

 

‘LIFE’ gets in the way. As much as I’d like to live in permanent vacation mode, it’s just not possible…yet. I have a job to do, or in fact, many of them, commitments to honor, deadlines to keep, and a variety of other  tasks that keep me going and doing.

 

But I do enjoy ‘regular’ life. While there’s always room for improvement, I’m a pretty darn happy and grateful camper.

 

Yet even in the midst of that ‘normal happy’, I need a break. A respite. A recharge. A moment to step back, refocus, and re-energize. And sometimes God has to force His hand. It might be in the form of a physical limitation, a schedule constraint, or an emotional press on my heart, but He makes his presence and will known.

 

Thank God!

 

Now to be fair, I don’t always appreciate the slow down. When I’m sitting, waiting for my truck tires to get changed and it’s taking twice as long as quoted, I’d be lying if I told you I don’t get antsy. And annoyed! Initially at least. Once I remind myself that perhaps God is paving the way for an opportunity to relax, I quickly get myself in check. I use unexpected waits, illnesses, and changes of schedule to be still, pray, catch up with someone I dearly miss, set a long overdue appointment, etc.

 

Yes, “Joy comes in the morning…” (Psalm 30:5), but I think it also comes in the midst of unexpected circumstances. Tune your heart in to God’s will for your life and seek any underlying messages in your situation. “God works for the good of those who love him…” Romans 8:28. Always.

 

Declutter Now! has some fresh, new material in store for you. 2016 is shaping up to be a wonderful year! But for today, no push to set goals, construct project management lists, or implement action plans – unless you feel called to, of course. Today, a simple reminder to squeeze in some downtime so God doesn’t do it for you.  A plea to delight in the simple, quiet, intimate beauties of life. A prayer that you will relish every opportunity to breathe in a little deeper and see the world around you with more patient, appreciative eyes.

 

Until next year, Happy New Year and may God richly bless you and yours!

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