“Hurry up!”
“How fast can you get that done.”
“Is there an abridged version?”
Speed is the order of the day. We travel faster, read faster and work faster. Slow traffic annoys us. We prefer television programs where the plot is introduced, developed and resolved all within 30 minutes (including commercial breaks). An entire business market has developed to help us grasp great works of literature by only reading the notes and outline. We even order our food fast and complain if it takes more than a few minutes to complete our order. The world we live in is on the move and we are in a hurry to get things done.
In the midst of all this busyness, it is easy to wonder what we are all so busy rushing for. Do we really want to get to the places we are speeding to reach, or are we in a hurry to get to someplace we will rush to leave? What does all this hyperactivity say about us and our values and are we losing something important in the flurry of activity we’ve become accustomed to?
We watch as families and relationships weaken. We listen to the pain of people with desires and dreams that are lost in the undertow of their schedules. We even see our most profound relationship, the one with our Lord and Savior; struggle to grow under the weight of all of our activity. What can we do?
We must begin by understanding that some things, especially those that are very valuable, cannot be rushed. Relationships and faith cannot be nurtured into maturity overnight. There is no shortcut… no set of three easy steps to a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus. Something so important requires and investment, especially of the priceless commodity, time.
We may live in a world that has become comfortable with microwaving everything, but the truly delicious meals require some slow cooking. Others may be satisfied with a superficial spirituality developed at high speeds, but God continues to call us make the sacrifice and spend some regular, quality time with Him. Only then can we, “taste and see that the Lord is good.”
We will need to address our priorities and decide if we can do without another rerun, or, another trip to the mall. We must ask ourselves if our schedules reflect our convictions and if not, make some changes. We might even find that our calling is to live in a way that demonstrates to our culture that there is something more… something deeper than appointments and crossing off items on our “to do” lists.
There will always be important things for us to do and the Word of God encourages us to, “redeem the time,” but maybe it is time for us to stop, look at our lives and ask if we can join the Psalmist when he says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more that anything on earth.” It is something to consider when you have a little time.
