Once a year I sit myself down for a serious talk about the same two things. Each year distractions foil my resolve to master two simple concepts.
The first is simplify. The second is — Slow down!
If you have one mega-calorie nutrition bar capable of sustaining life for three weeks, would you eat it all at once or portion it out?
If you’re stuck in a pit you need all the energy you can muster to climb out. Eat the whole thing. Life depends on it.
Frantic activity only makes sense when your fight or flight response triggers. Even then, wisdom is never panic-stricken. If the bear chasing you is only in your mind — take a deep breath.
Hurry Up is Usually the Wrong Choice
May I remind you,
- Horses hate hurry.
- Kids hate hurry.
- Husbands hate it when wives hurry them.
- Wives hate it when husbands hurry them.
See the pattern?
I used to speed read and process what I read.
Now I speed read and forget what I read.
So, I purpose to read slower.
These days, slower is more efficient.
To slow down in everything.
One speed. Forward.
Process. Savor.
Let it sink in.
Quit gulping. Taste.
“But slowing down is hard!”
Nervous or reactive horses often go too fast. My most popular article continues to be, How to Get Your Horse to Slow Down.
My first goal with a reactive or special-needs horse is to slow down his brain and reset his idle. Walk becomes his default on the ground and mounted. It takes time and limitless patience. It’s a necessary step. The quality of the horse’s life depends on it.
Horses who lightly shift into higher gears are wonderful as long as they’re just as good down-shifting. Willing to embrace tranquility. Think. Process. Respond. Prepared to fully share your experiences together.
What’s the state of your transmission? Could your idle use a tune-up?
This morning I postponed my usual routine to jot this down. After several tries over the past two weeks, I prayed for a message to share and this came to mind. The message is for me as much as you.
Slow down.
You Can’t Do It All – No One Can
I can’t do it all. I can’t even do half. With every passing year both the whole and the half get smaller!
So, I’ll pick the most important half and do it with joy. Taking the time to experience all that God provides today. Even the sticky energy-sapping Texas heat.
Make room for inspiration, even if you have to shove something else aside temporarily. Enjoy an extra cup of coffee on the porch with Jesus. Relish in leisurely conversation with a special friend, two-legged or four.
Live life fully.
Pick your best speed and keep moving forward. Remember, there will always be another project or need-to when you finish the one uppermost in your mind today.
Life is one finish line after another. Make it your habit to run every race well.
- Smile.
- Breathe.
- Love.
- Share.
- Slow down.
Jesus never hurried. He was never flustered. He took time to teach, heal, love, and even laugh.
Become more Christ-like today by slowing down. Pay more attention to who and what is around you.
It may all change tomorrow.
Savor today.
For more, here’s a great post from Betsy Kelleher – Feeling Overwhelmed? Try Changing Your Focus
Originally published as the August 2018 newsletter.
