Slow Down...and Breathe

 

















Sometimes I like to ride out in front…ahead of the crowd.
It is a great place to be trotting along at my own pace without a care in the world.
But if I slow down and look over my shoulder at what I left behind sometimes it isn’t too pretty.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
Usually, I get to the front by a lot of pushing and shoving.
I look the other way and avoid words of caution and attempts to even my pace.
Oh no…I want to do it my way and get ahead to where I want to go…
because I know what is best…
or at least sometimes I like to think so.

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 A brittle veneer forms when I am fixed on things going my own way…
when I am teetering on the tight rope of balance…me…me…me…isn’t that what this life is all about?
Then the blow comes…it knocks the wind right out of me…dizzy with confusion and my mind whirling…I wonder…
”What just happened…what could have possibly gone wrong?”
Then comes the gentle tap on my shoulder…
Jesus gently calling…
"Slow down…breathe…take my hand”…
The last of the “Remedy’s for Neglect” is self-control…grabbing a hold of myself and allowing God to go first.
He really does know the best way to do this life…why not trust him…slow down…take a breather…
and follow the one who is God?
I reach out grab His faithful hand…”You first Lord…I’ll follow you”

 Galatians 5:22-24
"But what happens when we live God’s way?
He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard--
things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity.
We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart,
and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people.
We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life,
able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ,
everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is
killed off for good—crucified.”
(MSG)


 Prayer:

Dear Lord,
Thank you for your love that helps to steady my pace in this world…
your gentle guidance that leads the way.
It is always so much better to look up and see you in the lead…
your way is the best choice!
Thank you for picking me up when I fall…
dusting me off when I get dirty…
holding my hand when the road gets rough
and best of all loving me the whole way!
Amen


Caprice <><