Slowing Down To Be Present

Hey Friend,

Life can be very busy and oftentimes we don’t realize the impact being busy has on us. I was talking with a friend, and she asked me, “Julie, are you a motorboat or are you a sailboat”? I knew right away that I am a motorboat. I want to get to where I want to be (physically and spiritually) when I want and as fast as I want. My friend then explained to me that a sailboat goes with the wind (the wind can represent resting in God, his leading/timing). The sailboat sails slowly and cannot make it go where it wants or how fast it wants, it simply depends on the wind (God). The sailor on a sailboat also has time to enjoy the view. The motorboat has a motor that allows it to travel at a faster speed than a sailboat (The motor would be me being in control). The motorboat does not have time to enjoy the view because of the speed. I found this analogy so helpful, and I hope that you will too.

I started to think about how often I find myself not present when I am busy and how often I get caught up in my wants and desires being fulfilled on my time. I was faced with the reality that being consumed with too many thoughts doesn't allow us to slow down and enjoy what is before us. So, I decided to challenge myself to slow down.

There are many things that need to get done but how often do we take time to enjoy doing the things in our schedule? There are many wants and goals we want to see fulfilled but how often do we enjoy where we are in life? It was like I had an ah-ha moment. The truth is that some of the things required of us might not change and will always need our attention, but we can choose to slow down and be present while doing them which will lead to us enjoying them. As for our life wants and desires, slowing down causes us to be thankful for where we are and to trust God's timing for what's to come. So, friend, slow down this week.

I believe this topic is important for us to grasp because every day that we have is from the Lord. I don't know about you, but I want to enjoy each day he has given me and I certainly want to be thankful for what he has given me.

I hope that you found this blog helpful.

Many blessings,