Reflections

This is the story of my journey to a slower pace of life. Deep within, I long for this "slowing down of time", but it always seems just out of reach. But, is it really?

Most of my adulthood has been spent in the middle of "the crazy". Running around frantically racing a clock. Making every attempt to squeeze in anything and everything that I (or someone else) deemed "necessary". And though something in my heart yearned for slower days, I believed I was doing the right things for my family, myself, and God.

Our homeschooling days were spent trying to keep up with every field trip and activity offered, so as to be sure my kids weren't "those unsocialized homeschoolers". Church began to take over every spare moment when I stepped into ministry. (I never did learn how to balance family time with ministry...) Holidays with family were spent running from one house to the next, never taking time to enjoy the moment. Vacations were packed with as many things as you could do in a day, because, of course, you have to get your monies worth and you might not ever go back to that place. Life was just plain hectic. And really, if I was honest with myself, all those things I was killing myself to do weren't even all that fun.

So for the last few years, I have taken some hard looks at what I was doing and why I was doing it. What I found was shocking! I really CAN slow down! I really CAN enjoy each moment of my life! And I really don't have to put unrealistic expectations on myself or listen to the things others put on me.

I have learned that, for everything I say yes to, I have to say no to something else. Now, when some new opportunity is presented to me, I seriously evaluate it's overall worth. And it is amazing how many things just don't rate worthy of my time.

We each have only a certain amount of time on this earth. And that time is very short. I refuse to waste it on things that don't matter. Things that zap my time. Things that leave me stressed and rushed. And I will be purposeful in searching out those things that help me slow down and savor each moment I have here. Moments with my husband, with my kids, with those people in my life that add value and meaning. And laughter! I choose to seek out laughter and things that bring me happiness and joy!

Join me on my journey as I find ways every day to slow the clock and go at a slower pace, and stop living in "the crazy".