Enjoying the Ride

This morning, as I drove the speed limit into work, I was marveling at all of the beautiful things that had gone unnoticed because I was in too much of a hurry to see them before! One of the great lessons I learned while slowing down is that when you reduce your speed, you can see all the beauty God has placed around you!

Because of an intentional reduction in pace, my breath was taken away by the early morning sun reflecting off the top of a local mountain. I saw a fish jump in a lake as I took my time driving across a bridge. An eagle joined me on my commute, and his soaring inspired my heart to new heights.

As I intently looked at the creation of God, I thought of this verse from Psalm 19:1:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1, NIV)

I also thought of the words of Job:

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:7-10, NIV)

This morning, the mountains, water, fish, and eagle taught me that slowing down allows you to experience joy in the Creation of God.

When was the last time you pulled over to watch a rainbow? When was the last time you enjoyed the fragrance of the air after the rain? Do you have room in your life right now to pause and experience the greatness of God in His creation, OR are you moving so fast that everything just seems to slip past you?

John Mark Comer wrote a book, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry,” where he makes this profound statement:

“To walk with Jesus is to walk with a slow, unhurried pace. Hurry is the death of prayer and only impedes and spoils our work. It never advances it.”

When I was driving recklessly and fast, the only prayers being uttered in my car were, “God help us!”... Now, my prayers are of thanksgiving: “God, Thank you for that mountain as it reminds me of your faithfulness” and “Jesus, help me to wait upon You today. Give me the ability to mount up with wings like an eagle. Help me to run only when you tell me to with the promise of not growing weary. Sustain me as I walk and not faint”.

Take a lesson from me. Try and slow down and look around. God is waiting for you to see all that He has created for you.

How can you intentionally change your pace today? Start right now with a personal prayer of rest and trust. Take a moment and hand over all that would cause you to rush today.

Let’s pray. Jesus, we embrace a slow and unhurried pace. We choose a rhythm of prayer and work that fits into your perfect plan for this day. Help us to remain in a place where we can see all that you have for us. Amen.

You are a miracle!

Your Friend,

Grant