May Devotional – In Praise of Slow!
1 May 2006
Scripture:
‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.’
Luke 10:38-42 TNIV
One of the most helpful books I read last year was ‘In Praise of Slow’ by Carl Honore. An activist friend of mine was horrified when she saw me reading it, as she thought that I might try to convert her! But we all need to slow down because rushing around is not good for our health. And once we do manage to slow down we are much more likely to enjoy our journey through life, rather than simply speeding towards the finishing line.
When Jesus visits his friends Mary and Martha he commends Mary for taking the time to sit with him and listen, while her sister Martha rushes around ‘doing’. Spending ‘quality time’ with our friends and family is important, but it is also important to learn how to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen.
To quote Father Christopher Jamison, the Abbot on BBC TV’s hit show The Monastery ‘No matter how hard you work, being busy is not inevitable – often it’s a personal choice.’ So instead of speeding down the fast lane dodging the speed cameras today , why not try the slow lane, or even divert along a country lane – you’ll find the views are spectacular!
Prayer:
Lord, help me to slow down and show me how I can to use my time in a way that honours you. Amen
