Slow Down and Live

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

My grandmother and I sat on her long front porch visiting one hot summer day. We were on the porch because she had no air conditioning. My maternal grandparents lived way back in the woods with a beautiful surrounding. I always enjoyed visiting them.

“Life is short, honey. Each day is important. Know what you want to do with your life because time really passes quickly,” my grandmother said. She died a few years later. I think often of these words of wisdom. Life is short, and it is important to make wise choices.

In Warren Wiersbe’s book, God Isn’t in a Hurry, he gives some tips about slowing down. We should start our day with the Lord. How can we ask God to be with us during the day if we don’t seek Him in the morning?

Present your day to the Lord. Give Him every detail of your schedule and let Him manage it for you.

Plan your day. Making a “to do” list will help you accomplish more. You will not waste time.

Take “blessing breaks” during the day.  Many people take coffee breaks, but few take “blessing breaks.” This is a brief time of praise and prayer for the purpose of quieting the heart. These breaks also give us new guidance and strength from the Lord. Instead of complaining about the traffic light, praise God for blessings as you wait.

Live to please God and fulfill His purpose for you. God does not expect us to do everything. He usually asks us to do what we enjoy most.

We all need to learn to relax and enjoy leisure time. I have to really work on this. A friend once gave me a book, When I Relax I Feel Guilty.  She said, “When I saw this book, I thought of you.” I immediately replied, “Sally, you are so right.” This book is teaching me that it is not a sin to take time off.

Let’s make the most of each day.

Georgia Andrus