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The Value of Slow

 SLOW - is the word prompt for a writing link up I enjoy over at Five Minute Friday.



The word SLOW  ranks near the bottom of the priority list in my life. I enjoy living out action words like - productive, high energy, quick, busy, active, words that allow and encourage me to do something. I am one who enjoys 'doing', a quick re-acter, often drawn to serve others quickly, not wanting them to wait for me. I answer emails and texts quickly, can be easily interrupted and thrive on seeing how many activities I can put into a day ...or hour!!

My season of life has slowed down as our children have grown and are now living independent lives and do not need me to do the things for them as in the past. My mornings are not spent preparing breakfast, packing lunches and rushing children out the door. Everything in this season of life is slower. 

After a time of transition and attempting to fill in those slow times, I've learned the value of slow. It provides something greater than a reaction - it allows time to respond. To soak some depth into the answers, to take time in relationships to simply be with others and focus on who they are. Understanding that every person is unique and filled with qualities given by our Creator and that it takes time and a slowing down to observe and appreciate how others are fearfully and wonderfully made. 

Living at a slower pace brings to light the opportunity to value the precious things in life. Rushing about our day causes us to miss so much. A slower pace builds margin - a beautiful space between our limitations and responsibilities. A place to prepare to be our best. A place where we can make a greater impact and influence on others. 

In the Christian life, we are not called to rush about blindly. The Bible speaks the value of slow:

  • Be still and know that I am God.
  • Wait on the Lord, be strong and of good courage.
  • Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act.
  • Be quick to listen, slow to speak.

These verses reveal the value of slow, quiet and waiting. If we seek God and His wisdom - which takes a quieting of our heart, His answers, strength, wisdom and blessing will come in and through us. That is something worth waiting for!



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Comments

  1. Lisa BlairJune 4, 2021 at 10:15 AM

    I appreciate and agree that this is a wonderful aspect of getting older and having the opportunity to move slower through life, "It provides something greater than a reaction - it allows time to respond. To soak some depth into the answers, to take time in relationships to simply be with others and focus on who they are."
    ~Lisa, FMF #5

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  2. AnnieJune 4, 2021 at 11:05 AM

    "Living at a slower pace brings to light the opportunity to value the precious things in life. Rushing about our day causes us to miss so much."

    Yes! One of the things I have been focusing on this year is living in the moment and simply noticing. Taking the time to notice all the things I miss when I am rushing and stressed and worried about what's coming next.

    I loved reading your thoughts and reflections on this!

    Love,
    Annie FMF #20

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  3. Lisa BlairJune 4, 2021 at 11:22 AM

    I so appreciate this insight, Joyce, "I've learned the value of slow. It provides something greater than a reaction - it allows time to respond. To soak some depth into the answers, to take time in relationships to simply be with others and focus on who they are." It's such a valuable lesson.

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  4. UnknownJune 4, 2021 at 11:35 AM

    I am learning the value of slow after raising my four children. There is a beauty in having time and space to sit and observe. God is in the small details and in the mundane. Thank you for your thoughts.

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  5. Amie WillsJune 4, 2021 at 12:05 PM

    From one "do-er" to another, your words were quite comforting. I love your observation that "A slower pace builds margin - a beautiful space between our limitations and responsibilities." I definitely need more margin in my life. It reminds me of when I worked full time and had young kids. Each morning I'd come into the office, prepare a cup of coffee, and watch a short work related podcast. I couldn't change my mom-hat to my work-hat as quickly as I wanted so it became my margin. Thank you for giving me something to think about.

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  6. simplysoulsearching.comJune 4, 2021 at 7:02 PM

    Oh, this is lovely, meaningful, and SO timely for me, too. Thank you for the nudge to find the value in SLOW. Karen (FMF #7)

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