Wow..life never stops. Never slows down. Not even for a minute. Sometimes I think I like it that way..and other times I feel like I'm missing things I shouldn't be missing. I'm constantly thinking about the next place I have to be or the next task I need to conquer. I speed walk every where I go, and I feel like my speedy walking pace somewhat defines my life. I'm so caught up in where I'm going that I totally forget about how I get there...So...bear with me..I have a few seemingly unconnected thoughts that..may actually end up not connecting..we shall see.
I have a good friend..and unlike myself...he strolls everywhere he goes (a fact that was the source of great frustration for me at many times). Any time we walk anywhere together, I am constantly turned around, trying to have a conversation with him. It's seriously a chore for me to walk at his glacial pace! It's become somewhat of a running joke in our friends about how slow he walks..but you know...I think he's the one who should be laughing at us..because HE'S the one who understands.
I have another dear friend..we walk together every other day or so and have oh so great conversations. One day we were talking about feet; about how everyone's are different and people have such different walking styles. But she said something really basic that struck me in such a profound way. She said, "You know, walking is a funny thing. You can always count on your other foot to come up in front. You don't even have to think about it!"
So, today as I was leaving to go back to campus, the thought of driving in 5 o'clock traffic was NOT appealing to me. I HATE waiting in line for ANYTHING!! Consequentially, I took every back road, loop, and drove through every neighborhood to try and avoid all the cars. In the end..it took me about twice as long to get where I was going, but I avoided the crowd!
So...through all of these events, I have learned a few things about myself. First of all, that in my rush to get things done, be on time, and avoid the crowds I have effectively learned to stay in my own little world for the majority of my life. Sure, when I'm not in a hurry or when I have nothing else going on, I'll stop and smell the roses or talk to someone who looks lonely, but ONLY when it's convenient for me. So how do I fix this?? SLOW DOWN! I will just have to learn to be ok with running a little late, missing out on something that's "super important" or maybe changing my plans a bit. I want to love life, enjoy every day I'm given.
Second--I have learned that, just like my feet, I can always count on the Lord to be there with every step. I never have to wonder, contemplate or worry if He will support all my weight with each step. I don't think about walking, I don't want to have to think about trusting in the Lord. I want to learn to depend on Jesus just like I learned how to walk. (and like I'm learning to walk slowly : ))
Finally--I've realized that to live like Jesus lived, I cannot always avoid the crowds. Jesus was constantly surrounded by the masses, people FLOCKED to Him. Sure, He withdrew for time alone (just like I've realized I need to often do) but he walked in the people, ministered to the people, loved the people. I want to be a person of the people: Loving people, serving people, leading people. To do that, I cannot always AVOID the people.
So, I'm going to stop. I'm going to read a book. I'm going to smile really big at someone tomorrow when I pass them. I'm going to say "Howdy!!!" to as many people as I can. I'm going to rely on Jesus to teach me where to walk. I'm going to blog more! I'm going to laugh as much as I can. I'm going to thank Jesus for what He is doing! I'm going to buy myself some flowers! I'm gonna buy someone else some flowers! I'm going to write an encouraging note! I'm going to sing out loud! I'm going to love with abandonment! I'm going to serve with a full heart!
Above all, I've learned that life is fun. And I'm tired of missing it.
"This is the day
that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and
be glad in it!"
Pslam 118:24
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