Slow Down

The other day I was warming a bottle in the microwave while the little guy it was intended for sat at my feet, tugging on my pant legs. It takes a whole 30 seconds to warm his bottle, yet I found myself drumming my fingers and searching around for something else to do in those 30 seconds. 30 seconds.

Or how about when I text someone and it takes more than a minute to hear back from them? Check my sent box. Yep, it sent. Wait…. Check again. Nope. Wait… Surely something went awry in cellular space.

Or when I sit at a red light. How long is a red light really? Maybe two minutes at a long light? But I have to find something to do during those two minutes. Wipe down the console, clean that spot off the windshield. Check my phone for that text. (Ok, I know I’m not supposed to do that).

But it was during that 30 seconds at the microwave that it I realized God has been tugging on my heart like that little boy tugging on my pant leg. “Wait. Be patient. Slow down. Enjoy those quiet minutes… don’t wish them away.” It was then that it occurred to me that I am Martha.

‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’ Luke 10:41-42

Between now and Christmas, our family will celebrate 3 birthdays. So often during this time of year, the time that I am supposed to be focused on thankfulness and pondering the amazing grace of God’s gift to us in Jesus, I find myself more frantic than ever. Those special birthdays & holidays will go by in a blur if I continue like this.

If you’re like me, mind-constantly racing over all the things that need to be done next, I would encourage you to slow down. Breathe. Let it go. Notice the quiet moments and enjoy them.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30