Living unrushed was more difficult than I thought it would be. Really.
(Okay, maybe unrushed isn’t a real word, but in my life it needs to be.)
I wasn’t aware how much I rush through my days, until I intentionally stopped doing so.
All last week, that was my intention. For seven days.
–To slow life down.
–To not be in a hurry.
–To not be so “busy.”
Mid-week I caught myself in the grocery store moving quicker than I needed to. But that’s what I normally do. How many moments–right in front of me–have I missed from rushing through the grocery store, or worse yet, through my life??
I found myself hurrying through my showers in the mornings. Again, that’s normal for me. Why did I need to rush through my morning routine? Could I be missing something God is trying to show me??
I discovered I often go about my business without looking around me. Without noticing the people in my path, the beauty that’s near me, the situations I could learn from. When did this begin? How much life all around me have I been missing out on??
I had no idea I was living like this!
Awareness can be painful, yet it’s necessary for growth. I also realized many other benefits of living unrushed:
I had less stress. (Yay!)
I felt more rested.
I was able to accomplish just as much, if not more, in the hours of each day.
My food tasted better–because I wasn’t rushing through my meals. (Bonus!)
I connected with those I love in ways I’ve been too “busy” to.
I relaxed more.
I enjoyed driving–because I wasn’t racing to my destination.
I noticed small details like the delicate fragrance of my outdoor blooming flowers, the tallness of the corn in the field behind our home, my son’s entertaining expressions, the sparkle in my husband’s eyes, the wittiness of my darling daughter.
I spent more time talking with God, and listening for His still, small voice.
I desire to make living unrushed a way of life.
Oh, I know I won’t do it perfectly. I won’t be the example to follow. I’ll have to continue to fight against the current of the rush. I imagine I’ll catch myself hurrying when I don’t need to, and scurrying when it’s not necessary.
But I’ve experienced what a week of living unrushed feels like. And it’s wonderful.
Friend, I invite you to join me. I understand it may not be a convenient time. I totally get if you’re up to your eyeballs in a project, or you’re getting your kids settled in a new school year, or you’re finding yourself pulled in many different directions. But I invite you in the rhythm of your life to capture moments of slowing down. To find ways you can be less-hurried (and less-harried!). To intentionally live unrushed. Try it for an hour. A day. Or even a week.
I believe you’ll experience breakthroughs like I did.
We don’t need to be in such a hurry. I’m cheering us all on as we unrush today.
Blessings!
Julie
I’m linking this post with Holley Gerth and friends for Coffee For Your Heart, and Jennifer Dukes Lee for #TellHisStory. Beautiful, uplifting spaces that will encourage your heart.
Hi Julie,
I’m visiting from Holley’s link-up today and I had to stop in since I also wrote about being unrushed today! You are so right that it’s a time to listen for God’s voice when all the other chaos surrounding our lives is stilled. And what he has to say to us is amazing! The thought of missing it in the hurry and scurry of life makes me think harder about slowing down to hear him. Love this post!
Hi Valerie! I so agree with you! I wonder how many sweet moments with God I have missed because I was too busy?? That thought makes me incredibly sad. We don’t need to scurry so much. I appreciate your words. Thank you! I’ll stop over to visit your place too. Have a blessed day!
Hi Julie! Golly, I think it’s been a while since I’ve “stopped in” because your blog looks different. Did you redesign it? (Or am I getting forgetful?!) Either way, it’s crisp, clean, and “easy” to visit. Love it!
And seven days of slowing life’s pace…love that too. The details of the daily you noticed brought a smile and peace. I’m learning to slow now as well, joining you in an unexpected journey. My father was hospitalized, and here I sit, several states away, enjoying each day with him and Mom. Hubby and kids are engrained in the daily rush back home. For now, I’m going to savor these slower moments, I know the rush awaits. Maybe I’ll find a few of life’s details, just like you. 😉 #writeonJesusgirl #coffeeforyourheart
Hi Kristi! I appreciate you stopping over. I redesigned my blog a few months ago. Thank you for your comments on it! I’m sorry to read of your father. I am praying for him, your mom, your family back home, and for you this morning. I’m glad you are able to enjoy the days with your parents, and not rushing through them. It sounds like you’re “living in the moment.” You’ll never regret doing so. Bless you, friend. Thank you for your words of encouragement. Let’s do this unrushed thing together!
Julie, yes! It is so easy to rush. Last week my sister and I were on vacation in Nashville. It was so wonderful to just go as we pleased and to just chill at the hotel when we wanted to too. It is so important…especially in this fast paced technology driven world…to put the phones away etc and just be! “Be still and know that I am God!” Those words are so important for us to hear as God says them to us!
I couldn’t agree more with you, Tara. I’ve been quoting that verse often the last few days. Thank you for putting them in front of me again! I’m glad you had a great vacation with your sister. What a gift. You’ll cherish those memories forever! Thanks for being here.
Hi Julie – Count me in! I’ve been getting that rushed feeling lately, too – and I think ‘unrushed’ needs to be a word. I’ve also allowed myself to get distracted easily. It has to stop! The other day, my husband and I took my daughter with us on a drive through the country around post – just an unplanned drive, kind of looking at houses, but really enjoying the scenery and the time together. Sierra, however, works on a time schedule. We teased her about not knowing the way home. She promptly pulled out an imaginary phone and called in for imaginary help to give us direction. I was surprised at the pauses in her one-way, imaginary conversation. She was listening. It made me think about our prayers. How often to we hold a completely one-way conversation? I’m guilty – partly because of that rush thing. But maybe I need to pause more, listen more, wait for direction more. So…longish story shorter (you know, places to go, people to see…), your words got me thinking. I’m glad I visited you back today – Count me in!
Hi Janet! Thanks for being here. I love your story about your drive. I’m guilty of one-way conversations with my Father. Ugh. Yes, partly due to the rush of my life. It continues to be a struggle for me, but I’m making progress. I hope you are too. I’ll be praying for you! Your words are encouraging blessings for me today. Thank you so much!
Hi Julie! I saw your post today on Holley Gerth. I am so glad I took the time to stop and read your post:) You described me so well. I am going to try to take your challenge. Thanks for the encouragement and your honesty. God Bless you!
Hi Lisa! Thank you for stopping over. I love meeting new friends! It’s a struggle for me to unrush, but I continue to work on it. I hope you’re finding ways to unrush as well. May God bless you as you do so!
It isn’t easy is it – who knew that “unrushed” was so much work, right?! 🙂 It really does take conscious effort and choice. I’m learning that in the midst of rush I have to savor and carve out unrushed moments. Maybe sitting to read a blog, or setting the alarm for 30 minutes to just rest, or watching a movie with my son OR resting with the Lord. Life is life and it just keeps moving – but so glad that we can choose to unrush ourselves and know that He meets us in that. Thanks for giving up permission to lay down perfection even in our unrushedness (that’s not a word either.) 🙂 Hugs!
Amen, Tiffany! It’s a constant battle for me. Maybe it’ll get easier?? I hope so. I appreciate your term “unrush ourselves.” We have a choice to do so. Thanks for that! Your words continue to bless and encourage. Hugs to you today too, friend!
Oh, friend- I fight against the current of rush, too. Thanks for this encouragement to slow down and notice- I’m with you! Love your heart, girl. 🙂
Hey Karen! Thanks for stopping over. Glad we’re in this together. I love your heart too! God bless you, sweet friend!
Oh how I need to do this, to consciously go through my days. I often think about what parts of life I am missing as I race around like a chicken with its head cut off!
Thank you for having this blog. I have at several times slowed my life down intentionally. I need to revisit the idea more often
as I find myself getting back into the business of life. I like a life that is slower and more peaceful. I tend to find God there more
often.
Blessings
Teresa