Choosing our Pace of Life
San Rafael Reef
For our audacious 2022 East Coast trip of 8,500 miles to add states to our tally, Jerry and I planned to meet on a Sunday in Green River, Utah. From Temecula, Green River lay 690 miles distant, I left Saturday AM for a stop in Salida, Utah. He left his home in the Salem area, spent one night in Idaho, arriving in Green River Saturday afternoon.
I had an hour and half ride to meet him and was eager, so I geared up for a cold morning and hit the road on my Goldwing, maybe exceeding what I recall as an 80 mph speed limit. The Wing just loafed along through the countryside route featuring all green dots, with majestic scenery overlooking Capitol and San Rafael Reefs, where Butch Cassidy and his gang spent some time. I just had to stop and take a few pics. That slowed me down a bit, so back on the road and I kicked it up to 85, then almost lost control. I entered a sweeping curve and set my line, only to quickly brake. The asphalt was in rough shape, potholes and bad tar patches. Continuing at that speed on those road conditions could be deadly, impossible to keep the line while dodging the obstacles.
The road ahead had the same asphalt difficulties, so I grudgingly dropped 20 miles off my speed for the next 10 miles. Yes, I arrived later than I hoped. But I arrived alive. In adjusting to reality, sometimes we need to slow down.
I tend to have a high completion quotient—liking to get a task done as soon as possible, in part to avoid my inclination toward procrastination. I’ve been a fool who rushed in too quickly where angels fear to tread. So, some suggestions from one who is learning to go slow…the hard way.
First, patience represents the heart and nature of God, “…the fruit of the Spirit is…patience” (Galatians 5:22). Now the bad news: patience literally means long-suffering. Hanging in during difficulties and not bailing too soon. Realizing that growth takes time. Do you desire enough spiritual maturity to soar? Then slow down, “…those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV). The word “wait” is an active participle, meaning to look for in the future, to expect. Slowing down to wait on God to act benefits us.
Second, we go slow to allow God to set the schedule, “Therefore wait for me," declares the LORD, "for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations…” (Zephaniah 3:8). Rather than rushing ahead with our plans, we look for open or close doors, yielding to God’s will and timetable. We may be unaware of his plans, until he puts them in motion. Give him time.
Kick Starting the Application
Do you tend to rush into plans or procrastinate? Have you been burned my going too fast? What area might you need to slow down in?