Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.

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I did a 5 day devotional called "The Ruthless Elimination of Worry" by John Mark Comer. Here is the description: 

"Hurry doesn’t just make you weary. It is the great enemy of your spiritual life. In The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer provides four down-to-earth practices for staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive: 1) Silence and solitude, 2) Sabbath, 3) simplicity, and 4) slowing. It’s the unhurried Way of Jesus"

I finished it and reflected on times when I have been patient to wait on God. To not feel rushed and hurried in my day-to-day activities. I am always amazed at what I can accomplish, and how time seems to slow down when I slow down. There is a military term "slow is smooth, smooth is fast". 

Think about it - when you are rushed or hurried, the chances of mistakes rise significantly. Or you are in a rush to get one thing done, to get to the next thing. . . then the next. . . etc. It is never-ending. So, what if you lived in the now? You lived in the moment. Worked on the task at hand and took your time. Be patient to listen when you really don't feel like it. 

From a spiritual standpoint being in a hurry can cause you to rush past moments that God has set up for you to serve, to love, to listen. How many times when someone asks you how you are doing, you say "oh man, busy. . . . " It is like a badge of success or worth. If you are busy and have crammed your plate full of anything and everything then you are doing something right. I believe that is what our society values. 

I want to value what God values. I want to wait on the Lord, and not be rushed with my time, relationships and decisions. We have the power to do so through the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the spirit are not something we pick and choose. They are manifested by the Holy Spirit, when we humble ourselves and submit to His authority over us. The only way I have ever learned how to do that is to slow down, and just wait. So, take something off your plate. Thoughtfully pray for God to reveal to you how you are denying Him. 

Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast. Just slow down.

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