Slowing Down

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Mark 6:31 NLT

I knew what they were from seeing them in previous years, but it still took me slowing down to see them.

I anticipate my daily walk after a long day of teaching middle schoolers. Although I don’t enjoy the spring pollen, I do enjoy seeing the wildflowers bloom. When the jonquils appear, I know spring is just around the corner. And just after they finish blooming, the wild blue violets begin their show.

A creek runs through our subdivision, and in the area where it bends closest to the road, it hosts a section where these beautiful wildflowers grow. After moving to the subdivision, I recall seeing them for the first time and marveling at their beauty. Previously, I had only seen them in the mountains when hiking. I took a picture using the tree and wildflower identifier app to confirm they were what I thought. By the second year, they had multiplied.

Sadly, I might be the only one who notices them. Our subdivision is not overly populated, but a dozen cars typically pass me during my thirty-minute walk. And as I sit in my recliner nightly, I notice car after car leaving and entering our subdivision. Add to that the others who walk as I do and the children who ride their bicycles or scooters. I often wonder if anyone else notices the variety of plant life. Or even the small waterfall in the bend of the creek that grows more prominent after a good rain.

The only way anyone would see these or any other beautiful sights along our subdivision’s creek is to slow down. Jesus saw how important this was. Thousands thronged him. Some wanted a miracle, while others desired to see one. Some looked for evidence that he was a fake or for fuel they could use to convict him of blasphemy.

If Jesus needed to get alone with his Father to regroup and refocus, surely these things must be essential. If he needed a dose of courage and insight, we probably do, too.

Life can get busy, and we have a habit of losing sight of what’s most important. Focus stealers are not always sinful; they are just focus stealers. We also need courage, wisdom, and guidance to live life and do God’s work. Slowing down and finding quiet moments are essential for staying on track. Not to mention, both are also good for our physical and emotional health.

Years ago, singer Mac Davis recorded a song entitled “Stop and Smell the Roses.” The song gave good advice. We’ll only smell roses—or any other flower—by slowing down or even stopping.

Find ways to create quiet periods so you can hear God’s Spirit speaking to your spirit. Get in a closet. Take a walk. Get up earlier or stay up later. Quiet moments won’t happen unless we’re intentional about finding them. Then, soak in the courage and wisdom to do life God’s way.

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