Speed Bumps
Last year we had the privilege of visiting beautiful Iguazu Falls in Argentina. As we were heading back to the airport to fly home, we noticed these speed bumps every 1/4 mile. Our driver would speed up only to immediately slow down to go over a speed bump. Initially it was very annoying as we were anxious to get to the airport (always a stressor!) I eventually realized, though, that these speed bumps gave us time to look out the window and see the scenery (which was all beautiful jungle).
The driver really had to pay attention to the signs telling us another one was coming up.
It reminded me of how few speed bumps I have in my life. I look at my daily calendar and see how many things are packed into my day - all good things of course! But I wonder if a few speed bumps would help me slow down and not miss things God wants me to see along the way. Maybe there are monkeys in the trees that I won't see because I'm speeding along. Or a toucan squawking that I might not hear because of the engine noise. When you go slower, the car rides much quieter.
Sometimes, if I'm still going too fast, I might fly over the speed bump, having missed the warning sign. Maybe those are God's little signs that He needs to get my attention and slow down and listen for Him, be with Him. I can think of some good speed bumps that might be related - such as things not going how I had planned (could be a control issue), or an expectation not having been met. Maybe it's a migraine or an illness that makes me physically need to take a break. I also see these issues in my practice of pediatrics every day.
Jesus NEVER hurried. He was always available for interruptions that were clearly from the Father. We are Christ's ambassadors and are called to learn from Jesus how to live and walk at His unhurried pace. That sounds so foreign to me!
I recently read a life-changing book "An Unhurried Life" by Alan Fadling. It unearths our idol of efficiency and the incessant struggle to catch up, keep and stay up with the velocity of our high-energy world. Fadling invites us into a counter cultural way of being present with God and with one another. It's a book I will read every year as I still struggle with hurry.
As we slowly drove back to the airport to end our vacation, I thought I should add some speed bumps into my life when I get home. Put more God space kind of speed bumps so I can hear Him more clearly and know His will for my day. Maybe a patient needs an extra few minutes to share their fears or a friend needs that phone call and prayer. That way my schedule won't pick up speed and get me out of control as I would fly over those bumps.
What speed bumps do you need to add into your life this new year to keep you slowing down enough to hear God in that quiet whisper?
Lord, help me to slow down for your speed bumps each day, so I know you're keeping me at your speed limit. Thank you!
Amen
Last year we had the privilege of visiting beautiful Iguazu Falls in Argentina. As we were heading back to the airport to fly home, we noticed these speed bumps every 1/4 mile. Our driver would speed up only to immediately slow down to go over a speed bump. Initially it was very annoying as we were anxious to get to the airport (always a stressor!) I eventually realized, though, that these speed bumps gave us time to look out the window and see the scenery (which was all beautiful jungle).
The driver really had to pay attention to the signs telling us another one was coming up.
It reminded me of how few speed bumps I have in my life. I look at my daily calendar and see how many things are packed into my day - all good things of course! But I wonder if a few speed bumps would help me slow down and not miss things God wants me to see along the way. Maybe there are monkeys in the trees that I won't see because I'm speeding along. Or a toucan squawking that I might not hear because of the engine noise. When you go slower, the car rides much quieter.
Sometimes, if I'm still going too fast, I might fly over the speed bump, having missed the warning sign. Maybe those are God's little signs that He needs to get my attention and slow down and listen for Him, be with Him. I can think of some good speed bumps that might be related - such as things not going how I had planned (could be a control issue), or an expectation not having been met. Maybe it's a migraine or an illness that makes me physically need to take a break. I also see these issues in my practice of pediatrics every day.
Jesus NEVER hurried. He was always available for interruptions that were clearly from the Father. We are Christ's ambassadors and are called to learn from Jesus how to live and walk at His unhurried pace. That sounds so foreign to me!
I recently read a life-changing book "An Unhurried Life" by Alan Fadling. It unearths our idol of efficiency and the incessant struggle to catch up, keep and stay up with the velocity of our high-energy world. Fadling invites us into a counter cultural way of being present with God and with one another. It's a book I will read every year as I still struggle with hurry.
As we slowly drove back to the airport to end our vacation, I thought I should add some speed bumps into my life when I get home. Put more God space kind of speed bumps so I can hear Him more clearly and know His will for my day. Maybe a patient needs an extra few minutes to share their fears or a friend needs that phone call and prayer. That way my schedule won't pick up speed and get me out of control as I would fly over those bumps.
What speed bumps do you need to add into your life this new year to keep you slowing down enough to hear God in that quiet whisper?
Lord, help me to slow down for your speed bumps each day, so I know you're keeping me at your speed limit. Thank you!
Amen
Please write your Comments here!:
Post a Comment