slow

We live in a culture that values efficiency, accomplishment, involvement, and success. Do more. Be better.

We live in a culture that puts its best foot forward by highlighting our success, our child’s achievement, a beautiful spot in our home, and the latest vacation on social media, in pictures on our Christmas cards, and in small talk with strangers AND friends.

We live in a culture that views 2nd place as a loss. Or we try to create a scenario where everyone wins so that no one loses. Blaming others for the loss or mistake - it’s the coach, the teacher, the boss, or colleague.

We live in a culture that doesn’t highlight or praise the effort or the progress unless the end result is a miraculous win.

At the end of the day, where has this culture left us?

We feel tired and overwhelmed.

We feel as though we can never accomplish or achieve what we want.

We feel discontent.

We feel lonely because NO ONE knows us.

We feel underappreciated or perhaps overlooked.

We feel like we are not enough or less than.

Can we snap our fingers and change the entire culture we live in?

No. But can we make a choice for ourselves and for our family culture?

Instead of fast and more, we practice slow and content.

Instead of win or loss, we celebrate small steps forward.

Instead of blaming others, we take accountability for our part and let the rest go.

What if we intentionally choose to begin our days slowly, limit the items to accomplish on our schedules and to-do lists, and end our days being fully present in the slow, everyday moments of our lives?

What if we created a family that left space - sacred, holy space - in our ordinary days?

I believe that a simple choice to slow down our days would give us the room to…

give thanks

see God at work

turn towards contentment

know others deeper

and discover a holy satisfaction in the God who took the time to praise His creation, acknowledge His good work, and rest

Do you experience the same overwhelming chaos surrounding us all?

Do you desire to find a satisfying contentment?

A few ways I have incorporated rhythms and practices into my daily life in order to help me slow down:

Writing down 3 things every morning that I am thankful for - big or small.

Sitting and enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning.

Practicing stillness in the morning - 4 minutes of sitting with my eyes closed. Assessing how my body feels, what thoughts are swirling around in my mind, and the sounds I hear. Then I slow down my breathing by inhaling for 5 and exhaling for 5, reminding myself of what I want to bring into my mind and soul and what I want to let go of. For example: inhale God’s truth and exhale the world’s lies.

Savoring an evening beverage - a cup of hot tea or a cocktail that my oldest daughter prepares for me. (Don’t worry she’s over 21.)

Cuddling up with my youngest daughter and watching Dance Moms (or whatever show we are currently watching together).

A long hug with Hubs…not talking about who needs to do what thing or run what errand…just fully present with one another before our day begins.

Creating a to-do list each evening for the next day, BUT intentionally limiting it to the top 3 items. Instead of the overwhelm of needing to accomplish 20 things, there are just 3. Check out this Top 3 To-Do Journal that I created (and use).

Practicing a Sabbath rest. I set aside 24 hours (from 3:30 pm on Saturday to 3:30 pm on Sunday) where I only do the things that give life - reading, napping, sharing meals with my family, etc. But I do not do any “work” during those hours. The Sabbath is a time to slow down and reflect upon God’s goodness and kindness.

Friend - Hear me say that what I have shared with you is not meant to become another list of things you MUST do, but rather just a glimpse of a few things that you could do so that you can begin to reshape your life.

Slow.

Slow.

Fully present.