Dad in my brother Gene’s Jeep with Mr. Peabody
Curious title? Bustle is public enemy number one for me at the moment. It’s endemic of our times, so I predict it may be your enemy too — an enemy to peace, to hearing from the Lord, to spiritual growth, and to spiritual well being.
We run so fast these days. Aided by technology and affluence, we run so fast that we’re chronically exhausted, and our pace of activity has blinded us to our pitiful states. So we go on, from one activity frantically to the next until we fall exhausted in our beds, only to arise when able to begin the ritual again. Sound familiar?
Checking on the cows
Peaceful Day with Dad and Brother
I’ve fallen behind of late, reporting on the book, and spending quality time in spiritual pursuits, that means practicing the disciplines. One of my life axioms often quoted to my friends is, “It’s better to live life than to record it.” And it is, but living at a burnout pace is the ditch on the other side of the road.
This morning while reading and journaling, I was reminded of something my good friend Charles tells me quite often, “You need to slow down to the speed of life.
The next thing I found myself writing in my journal was, “Stop, Drop, and Roll!” Do you recognize the phrase and where it comes from? It’s what you’re supposed to remember to do if you ever find yourself or your clothing on fire! It’s not the intuitive or natural thing to do, but it will starve the fire of oxygen, putting it out, saving your skin and your life.
Do you see the spiritual analogy? I did this morning when I wrote it. I’ve been far too busy, on fire with activity. So I stopped, dropped, and rolled spiritually in my study and kitchen. I read the Word. I journaled. I meditated. I listened for insights and revelations. I quieted myself. Comically I saw myself lying there, smoke rising from my tattered clothing, relieved the flames were extinguished, listening intently in silence for the voice I’ve been missing because of the bustle. Enjoying the quiet, the peace, the rest, and the promise of hearing something from the Spirit of worth or of joy.
At times like this I am well aware of the bankruptcy of the bustled life. I’m also grateful for some intervention to help me off the hamster wheel of our twenty-first century existence, and the opportunity to set some habits or spiritual disciplines to guard against these fires in the future, to guard against bustle, to foster living at the speed of life.
Life is such a gift. Let’s live it as designed and intended, for our good and enjoyment, as well as those we love. And to befriend the King.
Lord make us aware. Lord help us to exercise our free wills, and choose habits and actions that foster a slower pace more conducive to hearing, seeing, and enjoying our spiritual lives and Your Presence. Amen.
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
“I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues;” (Revelation 18:4)