​“God, help me walk slowly enough to experience Jesus fully and love people deeply.” This is a prayer Pastor Craig Groeschel uses to remind himself to slow down. And he challenges everyone to try it for seven days. Challenge accepted!
Day 1:
It is early and the weather is typical for mid-November. I want to sleep or look at my phone mindlessly in my warm bed for a few more minutes. Instead, I get up, make scrambled eggs, and grab my newest devotional, “Pray a Word a Day” (Guideposts.org). While I enjoy a warm breakfast, I take time to really reflect on today’s word - giving. How can I give? My day is packed. I pause and intentionally slow my thoughts. It only takes a minute. Soon, I drive to the office, but first I stop at McDonald’s for a Diet Coke. I hand my Discover card to the woman at the window and say, “I also want to pay for the person behind me.” My wallet - and my heart - are a little lighter. As I continue on my way, I wonder, “How else can I give?”
Day 2:
​​In the quiet of the early morning, I grudgingly wake up. In the shower, I recognize that my attitude will affect the rest of my day. So, I say my morning prayer but my heart is not in it and I’m easily distracted by thoughts of the busy day ahead. Then, I hear the whisper in my ear, “You need to slow down and really talk to God.” The feeling of conviction is instant but effective. I am determined to pray more meaningfully and frequently. Throughout the day, I see God’s gracious reminders. Prayer is mentioned in my devotional, my latest Therapy & Theology podcast episode, and in a Warrior Women Facebook post about how Jesus prays for us (John 17:9)! I smile and grab my notebook for lunchtime prayer journaling.
Day 3:
The day has just begun. The chaos is looming but still at bay. Before I jump into the fire, I close my eyes. My mind wanders about possibilities for the challenge today. The ideas that float to the top seem too easy. But I don’t want easy, I want a challenge. So I dig deeper and question “Where are the gaps in my faith?” Slowly, my mind shifts from lazy ideas to one focused thought. I need to strengthen my relationship with God. He fully knows me, completely understands me, and genuinely loves me anyway. A plan quickly emerges. I take one more minute and search my Bible app for reading plans about God’s character.
Day 4:
After my morning prayer, I let out a sigh of discontentment. I love talking to God, but, once again, the conversation was one-sided. “Isn’t prayer supposed to make you feel closer to God?” I desperately want, no, I desperately need to hear God’s words. Looking up, I ask, “How can I hear Your part of the conversation?” No answer. I shrug and begin to read the scripture for today in my devotional. Suddenly, I look up again, smile, and say, “I hear You.” The answer is obvious. All I need to do is slow down and make time to read the Bible. The Bible IS God’s word.
Day 5:
Late Friday afternoon, I shut down my laptop. My brain is going at full speed, but my body is exhausted. Unfortunately, there is still so much more to do. Dinner, grocery shopping, laundry. It never ends. And, I haven’t read the Bible, finished today’s reading plan, or listened to a podcast. I want to connect with God but I don’t have enough energy to fully devote my attention to Him. Laying on the couch, I close my eyes and try to get motivated. Just before I drift into dreamland, an idea pops into my head. Music! That counts as worship! God actually wants us to sing (Colossians 3:16). I jump up fully inspired to tackle those chores while praising God at full volume!
Day 6:
I reluctantly close my book. It was the usual fairy tale but with a twist. What if the villain wasn’t always evil? I start to question how I handle the grumpy or mean people that cross my path. It becomes obvious my perspective is one-sided. The guilt creeps in. I need to do better and take time to see the entire situation. Opening my heart, I remind myself that Jesus forgave sinners - even the ones that nailed Him to a cross.
Day 7:
I sit in my usual spot during Sunday morning service. Suddenly, I hear words that stun me. My head whips up from my notes just in time to see those words on the screen confirming it was not my imagination. “The number one cause that keeps us from being aware is busyness.” Pastors Dave and Fabian were talking about being kind to others. But I have no doubt that it is also the Holy Spirit with another message about slowing down. I send a silent message to Pastor Craig, “Thank you for the challenge. It has inspired tremendous spiritual growth.” As I return my focus to the service, I whisper a quick prayer, “Please, Lord, help me continue to meet this challenge every day.”