Devotion for July 30, 2011 – Slow Me Down
Today's Scripture Reading
Philippians 4:6-9
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Today's Devotion
I must confess that I am a planner. This means lists for packing or shopping, and schedules for departure, key stops, and return. It’s incredibly frustrating to be with people who, knowing the time and/or date for an endpoint, cannot count backwards to figure out when one must start and certain waypoints must be met. Planning is a useful skill, but it can easily become a prison, locking us into actions that are not always necessary or beneficial.
Over the years, I’ve learned that circumstances have an interesting way of messing with schedules. Mechanical problems, weather, distractions, procrastination, or indecision cause delays. Things are not where we expected to find them. At some point, it’s important to let go of the schedule and exist in the current moment - even if it’s not where we planned to be at that moment. Often, it’s the interruptions that lead us to some of our best experiences. We’re forced to stop, look around, and really see where we are and whom we are encountering.
Right now, we’re about a week behind schedule, but back where we first discovered the beauty and peace of northern Lake Huron. For a while, it was really frustrating; but now, we are remembering how it felt to enjoy quiet summers with children, dogs, and family. Sitting still; it’s not hard to find half an hour or an hour to strum, or take a stroll around town. This is a place where children swarm all over the village, and people still find it as important to stop and chat as to hurry on with chores.
It’s time to be still. Time to look around and meet new friends. Time to do nothing, and do it well. This is God’s time, Sabbath time. This was always in the schedule, but I did not know it.
Slow me down, God. Help me listen to the birds in the morning, and to see the sunset at night. Make me remember that wherever I find myself, in whatever circumstances, You are not far away. Keep me in Your peace.
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