Slowing Down, Making Better Choices

The other day, I came across this sponsored ad on Facebook.  It was for a webinar by Teaching Self-Government discussing ways to end back-talking from your children.  Considering all four of my children are naturally very well versed in this art, this was something that struck my interest.  As I eagerly listened to the speaker, hanging onto every word, something very interesting was mentioned - the topic of urgency.  Fortunately, I don't have to be Einstein to understand the connection.  But as I pondered this newly discovered problem, I wanted to share a few of my thoughts with y'all.

Why are we all in such a hurry?  Part of me wishes that it was just attached to the Holiday Season (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years).  However, if we are truly honest with ourselves, aren't we always catching ourselves explaining to our friends just how busy we always are?  I will speak for myself, since I only have my own experiences to work with.  I have a few really close friends that I would love to spend so much more time with.  One friend in particular, I have known her for 9 years.  Being military affiliated, we didn't live close to each other for several years.  But now we are relatively close to each other geographically again.  We had so many amazing good intentions to get together a lot more.  Sadly, we have only seen each other in passing a couple of times in the last year.  And we always say, we are so busy!  So much always going on!  Between us, our families, work, work-from-home, random illnesses, schedules and what not, this busyness is keeping us apart!  It is so sad!  I aim to change that some how some way - as in really soon!

But is friendship the only thing we are too busy for?  Is our Prayer and Scripture time suffering?  Is our connection with God being put on the back burner - for when we have time?  What about the quality time we spend with our husbands?  Children?  Personal maintenance?  (yes that is very important too)  This Urgency Addiction affects every aspect of our lives.  It is a matter of character!  We must find our priorities.  Prioritize those priorities and remember to slow down! 

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46: 10

This urgency addiction plays a huge part in our societies "anxiety epidemic."  It turns life into a rat-race.  I miss the days when folks made time to sit on the front porch and chat.  There are days I slow down enough and enjoy reading several books to my youngest daughter - who is a book fiend.   I find that I also enjoy playing "grandma" to same child's baby dolls.  Earlier this evening, I had a blast dancing to the "Macarena" with all four of my children.  Life seems to be so much more enjoyable when I choose to ignore the busyness and focus on my children!  I find I can parent in a much more calm way.  I can make better choices.  Then in turn my children, don't sense the insane stress, and they make better choices too.   God is a God of Peace, of Order, of Simplicity!  Urgency and constant  busyness tends to distract us from the most important aspects of our lives!  Causes an increase in illnesses, irritability, and often a decrease of faith as well!  Slow down!  Listen to where the Lord calls you!  To everything there is a time and a season under heaven!  I recently saw something somewhere that said: "You can do Anything, but you can't do Everything!"  At least not well, anyways!  Seek God in all things, and He will guide you in what you need to do!  

I am choosing to slow down!  That is possible even during the Holiday Season!  Blessings, dear friends!