Rush, rush, rush. First, first, first. This is what culture often dictates to (and demands of) us. Even in the microcosm of the classroom, it boils down to who can be first in line, who can pack up the fastest, who can get the newest textbook, who can finish the test first...
Do we see a trend here? And, more importantly, do we see a problem with this logic? We're on a race to nowhere, even in the fourth grade. What's the rush? Honestly, have we, as a society, created a mindset so averse to waiting for directions? to exercising patience? to showing appreciation?
Yes, even as adults, there are countless activities we run, run, run among each day. (And, by no means am I belittling any of the tasks at hand.) But we need to be present in the current activity rather than let thoughts about the next hundred things we need to accomplish consume our time and energy. (Don't worry - I acknowledge I need to work on this too - note the "we" - so I'm right there with you!) Seriously, what good does worry do? It only takes us away from enjoying and experiencing what is right in front of us.
And if common sense wasn't enough in this situation, the Gospel spells it out too: "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself..." (Mt 6:34)
So, let's allow the following question/song lyrics marinate in our minds and hearts tonight:
"Can we slow down, just take our time,
Close our eyes and just enjoy the ride?"
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| Grotto candles bring a sense of serenity |
I encourage (and, in a way, challenge) you to just take a deep breath and take in the moment.
(I personally think the view is much nicer when life's not in fast forward.)
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