Are You Rushing Past Good Stuff?
Destination Oriented
I’m always in a hurry! I rush from meetings to projects, then to the laundry room to rescue Mr. 4-Ever’s shirts before I have to add ironing to my long to do list.
At the grocery store, I silently hum You got to move it, move it to myself as I weave around browsers or wait impatiently at the cash register.
In staff meetings, I take copious notes on one page and write a list of things I need to do when I get home on the next page.
I’ve never been a woman who enjoyed the journey. I’m more of a destination kind of girl.
Missing out on magical moments
But, lately I’ve been thinking that I’m missing some of the magical moments God has planned for me along the way because I’m too rushed to see them, much less enjoy them.
What if I could let myself off the hook about having to do everything quickly or doing everything myself or … wait for it … let go of doing everything perfectly.
What if I, and maybe you, too, could start to think of life as a DIVINE JOURNEY? A journey that will take twists and turns, but will make the journey interesting and create the margin in our lives to enjoy the journey.
3 Ways to slow down
Delete
Some things, I’m going to cross off my list entirely.
- Spring cleaning!
- Trying to please everyone.
- Repeating and rewriting and redoing every single thing till “it” is perfect.
Defer
Some things will wait.
Less important tasks can wait (without guilt or shame) for a little more white space to appear on my calendar.
- Learning to knit.
- Cleaning out my closets
- Taking up hiking.
Delegate
Some things are going to be moved to someone else’s list.
To create the margin for reading and relaxing and the possibility of eight hours of sleep, I will delegate. I’m not the only one who can cook, clean, and mow. Sharing the load trains kids, employs the neighbor girl, and allows me to enjoy the moment I’m in instead of rushing through it on my way to the next one.
Life is too short to feel behind and overwhelmed 98% of the time.
How can you find margin in your day to feel at peace, experience joy, spend time at rest or reconnect with God, family and friends? What can you delete, defer or delegate?
Enjoy the journey
Imagine what it would be like to have more time to spend with the people we love and do the things that refresh us. When we teach someone else to do what we know how to do, it builds wisdom and life skills in them at the same time it frees us up to be fully present in this moment so we can enjoy this divine journey of life.
If you feel busy or behind all the time, what could you do to change that feeling?
Leave me a comment and let me know.
Verse of the day: What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. – Ecclesiastes 3:9-13
Prayer: Lord God, guide me as I review and reset my responsibilities. Help me create margin for me to spend time with people who love me. Show me how to spend more time with you! This pace of my life is unsustainable to help me to see how and where to make changes. Lead me on your divine journey for my life. In Jesus Name, Amen
Absolutely loved the retreat in Flagstaff! Keep up the good work. I often feel rushed too – think we try to do too much.
God Bless you!
Darlene Skarda
Darlene, it was an absolute joy to be with you again. ???
Hi
I feel rushed at work when it’s just me busing tables.
My blood pressure got a little high. I get out and take a walk to relax.
With high cholesterol..
Lisa, praying people are patient as you prepare places for them. Be kind to you!
Robyn, In my rush , rush world while talking on the phone AND taking out garbage, I tripped on threshold between breezeway and garage. Result: broken foot, wearing a “boot” and spending a considerable amount of time in my recliner. At least I have some quality meditation and reading time. But trust me, this is not how you want to get it. Be careful with your rush, rush lifestyle. Marty Kamprath, Ida MI
Oh NO, Marty. That’s awful. So sorry. I’m taking heed and slowing down so I don’t have to take a forced sabbatical in my recliner. Thanks for posting. Praying for a speedy recovery.
My current life is totally reversed from the timing you describe and which I formerly had. From working 3 jobs and being a caregiver to 4 persons to not really being needed anywhere or with anything. The freedom Jesus has given me is a precious gift, yet I feel guilty accepting it. It is bittersweet since I have lost so many family members and truly miss them. Yes I do more praying for others as well as my bible study, activities in my little church and finally taking care of me. At 78 and mostly healthy I feel He has allowed me this time to tell Him thank you and be open to the next task He wants me to handle with His guidance. I am thankful for the rest and healing He has given me.
I always enjoy and am thankful for your messages
Melanie, This post is so sweet I want to tag it and keep it forever. May we all have the discernment for the season and thankfulness to our Savior that you have. Blessings my friend.