Over the years Dave and I have learned to slow down. This, in itself, is a real miracle! I don’t know how many times we have said “we’re burnin’ daylight” and charged out to get things done. But now we are living by a different slogan, “slow down, you’ll get a more harmonious outcome”.
Yesterday Dave completed yet another honey-do project for me. This was a several day project and along the way he needed my help. That meant I would put down what I was working on. At first this was a little irritating, just being honest, but I really did appreciate the opportunity. I had to remind myself, he was doing this for me.
When the work was done we sat and talked – Dave said he’s having to adjust to the fact that things are taking longer than they did when he was younger. I concurred. Since retirement, I have felt that “multi-tasking” is an ugly concept and not one to be pursued.
Slow is good!
“My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. 20 If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things that God wants done.” James 1:19-20 CEV
Slow to speak and slow to get angry. Good advice. When we are slow to speak, we improve our listening skills and that makes the person speaking feel valued; their words are important. If we jump in while someone else is still talking, we often misconstrue what they are saying because we haven’t heard their whole thought.
“Good people think before they answer, but the wicked speak evil without ever thinking.” Proverbs 15:28 CEV
“It’s stupid and embarrassing to give an answer before you listen.” Proverbs 18:13 CEV
We had a friend who practiced slow speech. I had never met anyone before or since that spoke as slowly as he did. However, he was also one of the calmest, unstressed, unangered persons I have ever met as well.
His words were kind; he was a genuine listener. He wanted to hear your heart and share your thoughts. Love is patient, gentle and kind. Jim was all that and more!
In case you haven’t noticed God’s not in a hurry. He does things at the right time and in the right way.
“ Dear friends, don’t forget that for the Lord one day is the same as a thousand years, and a thousand years is the same as one day. 9 The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” II Peter 3:8-9 CEV
The Father is patient. He waits for us – He doesn’t force us to accept His ways. Patiently He waits and gives us one opportunity after another. He knows that true love never fails.
“Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered.” I Corinthians 13:4-5 CEV
Slow is good!