Time to Slow Down

Did you ever feel you were supposed to slow down, but didn’t?

Are you nodding, yes?  (Me, too). I understand.
 
When I was eight, I got a new red bicycle for my birthday. It had solid rubber tires. (Dad wouldn't have to worry about fixing my flats anymore). 

Excited to ride my new bike to school the following day, I hopped on and sped off.   

“You’d better slow down!” Mom yelled.

I heard her, but I didn’t pay attention. Pedaling with all my might, I neared the end of the street, my attention diverted by a cat crossing the road. Suddenly, Slam! Crash! Bang! I’d hit the back bumper of a parked car with the solid rubber tires of my bike. 
 
The car bumper was more robust than the bike—or me. My ribs hurt badly, and I'd knocked the wind out of myself, but I didn't think anything was broken, except, perhaps, for my pride. 
  
No one saw the incident. Embarrassed, I never told my parents. (My mother would have reminded me I hadn’t listened, but she was right).  
   
Kids don’t always listen, and sometimes adults don’t listen, either. Lately, I was one of those adults. For the past few months, my calendar had been filled to overflowing. I'd intended to delve more deeply into my NIV Study Bible. But every evening when I’d planned to read, life got in the way. By the end of the day, I was too tired to read at bedtime, and my Bible sat untouched on the nightstand. 
 
Often I try to do too much as was the case this time. I got sick. Then, my daily routine stopped as quick as Slam, Crash, Bang and the bicycle mishap. 

Not feeling well, I couldn't partake in my usual daily activities. I had no choice but to slow down.  
I got tired of having to lie in bed or curl up on the couch. But, ironically, there was one good thing that happened. I had a lot of time to rest, reflect—and read. So I reached for my study Bible. 

I'm sure God didn’t intend for me to feel unwell. However, I thought about my perception of busyness. Was I using my time as wisely as I thought? Or not? Maybe I could slip in the Bible study on a regular basis if I changed my priorities? 
  
When we reflect on our lives and think things through, sometimes we can come up with different ways to handle the questions that come up in our lives. And, through faith and prayer, we can find a way to accomplish the things we desire to do. After I started feeling better, I knew I would have to focus on my new priority. 

Being sick wasn’t fun, but it forced me to slow down—and take notice of a lot of things. 

What things have occurred in your life to help you slow down or rest? 
                                                                                      #
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

Photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com

  

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