Pulling the emergency brake may have been my initial reaction, but there’s more to the story. Soul-searching commenced, while the process of seeking guidance from my trusted friends and family was in full swing.
There was also the figurative moment where I had to walk into the hypothetical restaurant and request humble pie, table for one… thank you very much. It’s not always an easy process when you take a step back from serving others or doing the tasks you love.
Because, let’s face it. We live in a time of better, faster, stronger and more, more, more. While there is nothing wrong with leading a robust life, it can become problematic if we are so busy we can’t put on our own oxygen mask, much less help those around us.
And, there’s inevitably the question process that comes with making a counter-cultural move: Am I still the same “get it done” person I thought I was? What opportunities will exist in the future? Am I going to be a dinosaur when this time comes? Cue overly melodramatic tune…
Ultimately, I am much the same as I was before. I’m just choosing to move at a slower pace, while letting grace fill the voids.
After pulling the brake, I took a weekend away by myself. I chose to spend my time in a garden setting not too far from home. I read and rested, biked and walked without any real agenda or schedule. I noted things that may have escaped me before. I gazed upon trees, contemplated roots and felt an ushering out of the old, and a breathing in of the new.
Something truly remarkable happens when life becomes more in focus. We begin to notice. We can observe people and places in a way we haven’t before when we become more intentional. We can ask someone, “How are you doing?” And, <gasp> actually listen to their response. The question becomes less of a greeting and more of an inquiry into the lives of humanity around us.
Perhaps, we can also more clearly hear the word of God. When we have more margin in our lives, we have more time for study, prayer and reflection, as well as the bandwidth to heed God’s guidance and direction in our lives. I don’t want to miss these opportunities amid my self-imposed productivity.
In Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), Jesus says, “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.”
Friends, what does rest look like for you? What opportunities exist to connect more deeply with the world and people around you? It looks different for each of us, but as we continue this journey together, I wish you more. More margin-filled days, and more grace toward yourself in the process.
Rooted in Grace and Grit 