Life can feel like a whirlwind. Hustling from one event to the next, driving kids to practices and games, trying to the keep the family afloat, getting dinner on the table, digging through the pile of clean laundry looking for a pair of matching socks, settling for unmatched socks, wondering who used the last of the toilet paper and didn’t replace it and the list goes on. 

Peace is hard to come by.

There are seasons when it seems there are no spare moments. No margin. No time to rest or breathe, or settle in. 

But this week I’m stepping into a new season.

Slower.

And I’m choosing to breathe and notice the things and people around me in a fresh way. I want to smell the fall air. I want to see the smiles on faces around me and notice when someone is out of sync. I want to tap into the emotions of others and show them I care. I want to give time and love and sincere concern like it’s important to me, because it is. 

Activities are fun and good, but not at the expense of sanity, security, or a satisfied soul. When the calendar is so full that there is no break, it will eventually break you. I’m speaking from experience. Life is trial and error. And hard workers try very hard to fit it all in only to learn it’s impossible. My hand is raised high.  

We are left with the decision to choose what is best for this season. 
You can choose to keep pounding the pavement with more, more, more. Or you can stop right where you are and embrace the moment. It might feel like less at the time because slower isn’t typically shiny and doesn’t generate applause. The underdog is typically in the shadow of the faster more decorated runner. But being where God wants you is better than pursuing what the world says is grand or great. 

Slower isn’t bad or lazy or unmotivated.

It’s the decision to live centered and surrendered in this season without needing to build or produce. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying slower is not productive. I am saying slower is producing the things God says in God’s time. He might open doors that swiftly move ahead and He might keep you sitting right where you are. The real struggle is in being willing to be slow, being willing to wait, being willing to be still.  

We live in a faster is better world and I’m not satisfied with that. And I have a feeling you aren’t either. Although I love free fast shipping when it comes to shopping, and I drive up to a window to receive food more times than anyone probably should in a week, my soul is longing for slow. 

So I’m welcoming a slower rhythm just in time for the holidays. I’m pressing pause on a few things in order to say yes to priceless things. 

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 (KJV)

I know I’ve already lost some of you. The fast ones that don’t have time or attention to read an entire article (I’ve been there too many times). 

But for those of you who are ready to jump into a new season with me and want to say yes to a slower season with less hustle and more holy moments, I see you. 

Here is what I’m doing in this season:

• I’m giving myself permission to say no to hurry, busy, stress and more. 
• I’m saying yes to less. (Which means a commitment to clean out my basement – Lord, help me!)
• I’m making time for Bible reading, prayer and people every day. 
• I’m choosing to look my husband in the eyes until it feels awkward and then a minute or two longer. 
• I’m choosing to be completely engaged when my children are talking. Listening is something I am practicing.
• I’m saying no to my phone for a set amount of time each day. 
• I’m saying yes to the calling on my heart to write more words. 
• I’m saying yes to reading more books and no to reading about the latest hot topic online. 
• I’m saying I want to slow down and I am taking action to make it happen. 

My soul is already feeling better. 

What will you say no to in this season? 

What will you say yes to? 

And how does it make you feel to choose a slower season? 

Does it feel impossible? 

It’s all about what God is calling you to do. 

Is He calling you to a hectic schedule or a holy one? 

I’ve got a full calendar, but I’m learning full doesn’t necessarily

mean faithful. 

Love & Blessings,