September Slow Down

 

The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat.  Mark 6:31 (The Message)

A question was once asked of Dallas Willard, “What do I need to do to be spiritually healthy?” His response was, “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” 

 

At some point this week, take out your calendar for the last year.  Starting in January of 2025, write down experiences, events, and encounters that have filled your days.  This is what James K. Smith calls a “liturgical audit”.  Every person has a rhythm and routine in life.  I start my day with exercise, writing, pastoral visits, meetings, eating, and reading.  Those are major buckets each week (along with sleep).  Maybe for you, it is doctor’s appointments that take a few hours each week or volunteer opportunities.  Look in the rearview mirror of your year to see what has brought you to this moment.  Pay attention to special moments ~ like trips or guests who came to visit.  Next, write down the emotions you feel with each calendar item.  This might take a minute because you may not have thought much about your soul as you eat or when you attend that meeting.  My hunch is that in the cobwebbed corner of your shy soul, those emotions you feel have been tucked away waiting for you.  For example, does that meeting energize or exhaust you?  Does going to that event feel like you are going through the motions or fill you with the emotion of delight?  Finally, write down why you do each of these things.  Do you feel you have to?  Do you feel called to or passionate?  Maybe you have forgotten why you do this.  For my Type A friends, you can make a wonderful three-column chart out of this spiritual exercise.  For my artistic friends, you can use different colors as you write randomly across the page.  Do this in a way that brings a smile rather than a frown to your face. 

 

Finally, I invite you to rest.  Seriously, go take ten minutes to sit in your favorite spot in your home or park or coffee shop.  As a follower of Christ, Jesus’ words above are for you.  Take a break, get rest (remember there are 7 ways from last week), cease from the constant coming and going to breathe and be.  May this invitation breathe life into this day.  Amen.