Slow Down!

The other day I ran into someone I hadn't seen in while. When she asked what had been going on I just said “Oh, you know, go to work, go home, cook, eat, watch TV, go to bed and wake up just to start the cycle over again.” She just responded that she knew what I meant.

Later that day I thought about that conversation. We live in a fast-paced world and don't take enough time to enjoy life. Think about how you spend your day. The alarm blares and we roll out of bed. Almost immediately we jump into our routines. Be it showering and ready for work, or getting the kids out of bed and ready for school. We rush out the door and head to our jobs. There, we do what we need to do, watching the clock for our cue to head home. Once there, we have dinner to cook, dishes to wash, kids to get settled, etc. before we can sit down for a little while and watch TV or read, pushing the day out of our minds. All this and it doesn't include the little emergencies that crop up. No wonder we tired and drained. There just doesn't seem to be enough time to get everything done.

The way our lives are going, we don't stop to just relax and enjoy the beauty around us. Whether it be sitting in your yard, enjoying a sunset or playing ball with your kids. When was the last time you took time to just have fun and actually enjoy the day?

Even God rested after six days of creation. So if God rested, what makes us think we don't need to. Perhaps you can get up 15 minutes earlier and drink your coffee outside, enjoying the early morning. Maybe you can make a point of spending 5 or 10 minutes of relaxing when you get home from work. Spend a few minutes talking and listening to your spouse and children.  

Whatever it is you can do to “stop and smell the roses”, do it. Why don't you take a few minutes and enjoy the beauty of nature by watching this clip.