Slow Me Down, Lord!

 


Vacation Reflections:   A few days ago, we took a short walk before breakfast.  Just around the corner and up and over a hill from our cottage in Charm, OH, was this sight.  This is Buster.  Doe-Doe and Bambi were also visible. I wonder if they knew how blessed they were to be caged during hunting season?!
More unusual than these deer, were four squirrels--two to a cage.  They ran furiously on these wheels--sometimes taking turns, but running constantly while we watched and running every time we passed them later!

The night before, my husband overheard a woman ask the waitress (in the restaurant that closed at 7:00 p.m.), "What do people DO around here after 6:30?"   In our society, people are accustomed to cramming activity into every minute of life - kind of like the squirrels that never seemed to stop running.  We had books and magazines, conversation, and a deck of cards if needed. I had HGTV (a rare treat for me)! We were happy to relax and enjoy the evening.

Slow Me Down, Lord...
Sight along the country road
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace. Give me, amidst the day's confusion, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of singing streams that live in my memory. Help me to know the magical, restoring power of sleep. 
Teach me the art of taking "minute vacations"...slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to read a few lines from a good book. Remind me of the fable of the hare and the tortoise; that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than measuring its speed.  Let me look up at the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew slowly and well. 
Inspire me to send my own roots down deep into the soil of life's endearing values...that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.  Slow me down, Lord.
(Wilferd Arlan Peterson)     

16 comments:

  1. What a beautiful post, Ms. Rebecca...I need to be slowed down, too!

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  2. I've really never heard of deer and squirrels for pets! I love being home when it gets dark...I do think we can learn a thing or two from the Amish!

    "there is more to life than measuring it's speed" wow...that quote stops me dead in my tracks.

    We have a dear friend who had open heart surgery a couple years ago. His blood pressure was constantly being monitored. Every time he meditated or prayed, his blood pressure immediately dropped. It was right there on the screen. I've never forgotten that.

    Again I have to say how thankful I am that the weather has been so great this past week for you!!

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  3. I am afraid to get any slower myself but I know what you mean. :)

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  4. It's interesting....because most of the time I don't make plans on the weekend...when I have free time. I do like to take things slow and my friends are constantly asking me "What are you going to do this weekend?" I don't know...I just wait and see...it depends..:) :) I think it's kind of nice that life slows down after 6:30 p.m. :) :) :) You have time to just enjoy things :) :) Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  5. I love the "minute vacation" idea and plan to put that in practice more often! I would have been perfectly satisfied with your choice of "things to do" after 7:00!

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  6. I like the quote; it's good to take time to reflect, to enjoy nature, to be refreshed; It's good to "take time to smell the roses".

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  7. Good post, everyone needs to slow down ...I am a very guilty speeder in life.

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  8. Really thought provoking post Rebecca. I enjoyed it and wonder once again, why do we value busyness and speed so much? Why are we afraid to slow down and just be?
    I hope you are having a wonderful time!:)

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  9. I agree, Colleen! In many respects, we're like children who don't know how to "entertain" ourselves and are bored when we don't have outside stimuli....

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  10. Hi Rebecca, sweet friend!
    I love this post and the quote is so applicable to contemporary Americans and Christians too!
    As you might guess, I DO have trouble slowing down. In fact, I'm RUNNING off to church this very moment!
    How I long for a few lazy days to scrapbook!
    Now that the Banquet is over, and just before we start planning for our "walk-a-thon," GOD has orchestrated a BIG blessing for me...2 cruises!
    And I have never cruised before! So, I guess the second one might not happen if the first is a bad experience. HA! Our Father knows just how depleted I am.
    Thank you for ALL of your kind and affirming comments...sure wish we could meet face to face.
    Someday!

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  11. Jess, SO happy for your BIG blessing! He DOES know how depleted you are. "Lift your cup for Him to fill...He only asks today that you be still..."

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  12. Love that! "Inspire me to send my own roots down deep into the soil of life's endearing values...that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny. Slow me down, Lord."
    My prayer today...while slowing down with a four year old who can walk too fast right now...teaching me a lot!
    Thanks for this beautiful post!

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  13. I have been working all day and just sat down to rest my feet. Trying to relax through the sounds of Katie's "MUSIC" in the background! Not exactly music to relax by but she's cleaning her room so what can I say? LOL!
    I'm so glad that the two of you had time to relax Rebecca. I enjoyed your photos and the cute squirrel!
    I was thinking of you the other day when I went thrift shopping! Love Di ♥

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  14. Very nice thoughts. An African friend once told us, "Americans have watches, Africans have the time." We've never forgotten that after visiting their home and seeing a great difference in their pace of life.

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  15. Beautiful and inspiring post Rebecca, I agree our society just about meets itself coming and going. Loved the thoughts by Wilfred Peterson. Oh so true!
    I have been reading your previous post, and enjoyed reading of your adventures. Your grandchildren are adorable, their smiles say it all, how blessed to be able to spend precious time with them.
    I loved the photo of you and your dh sitting in the swing, you looked so happy .
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  16. Such a lovely post, Rebecca... I loved the Slow Me Down quote. I have read it before, but now reading it again, slowly line by line, brings its beauty up front and closer to my heart.

    I also loved the sight of the haystacks along a country road.

    This post warmed my heart. I am glad I dropped by today.

    Love
    Lidj

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)