Slow Down Therapy

A raging case of poison ivy is not exactly what I anticipated bringing home from our fun vacation on the river with our children and grandchildren. It is certainly not the usual trip souvenir but, none-the-less one that got my attention. Is this a mandatory slow down? A chance to reflect on fast lane living? A new kind of spiritual discipline – mind over matter? Am I secretly glad to have a reason to stop and simply be?

A raging case of poison ivy is not exactly what I anticipated bringing home from our fun vacation on the river with our children and grandchildren. It is certainly not the usual trip souvenir but, none-the-less one that got my attention. Is this a mandatory slow down? A chance to reflect on fast lane living? A new kind of spiritual discipline – mind over matter? Am I secretly glad to have a reason to stop and simply be?

In the process of adjusting to this homebound assignment, I remembered a small book that was given to me when we lived on the mission field. The back cover of the book, Slow Down Therapy, published by Abbey Press, states  “You can beat the hurry system before it beats you to a frazzle…this little book offers thirty five concrete ideas for helping you rediscover something you already possess: time, enough time…it will guide you to a more peaceful, relaxed use of time- and help you celebrate the priceless prize called life.”

Okay, I’m in!

Here are a few of the ideas that grabbed my attention which God used to speak to my heart. Maybe they will to yours as well.

Slow down; God is still in heaven. You are not responsible for doing it all – yourself- right now.

Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set. They are remarkable for their steady pattern of movement, not their speed.

Quit planning how you’re going to use what you know, earn, or possess. God’s gifts just are; Be grateful and their purpose will be clear.

Allow yourself time to be lazy and unproductive. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Listen to the wind blow. It carries a message of yesterday and tomorrow – and now.Now counts.

 Listen to the words you speak- especially in prayer. Listen to the song of a bird- the complete song. Music and nature are gifts, but only if you are willing to receive them.

How many gifts has God desired to shower upon us in His abiding Presence, but we are unable and unwilling to receive them because we are racing too fast to the next thing. I fear that we do untold damage to our souls by not waiting on Him, by rushing through life, by not being still enough to know God.

I’m not really sure what this case of poison ivy is about, but for now I’m listening and waiting and so longing to be wise about re-entering the fast lane.