Sometimes you simply need to hurry up and slow down. Sounds confusing, huh? Read it again……..”hurry up and slow down.” Sounds like a bit of an oxymoron.  We live in such a fast-paced society. We have become programmed quality isn’t as important as quantity or a quick response. I actually overheard the manager of a restaurant recently tell his workers, “Let’s get em’ in, and get em’ out.” Never once did I hear him reference the quality of the food or service being given…..simply “Let’s get em’ in, and get em’ out..”  What happened to hospitality? What happened to quality? What happened to building relationships with customers to ensure their continued patronage?  I have found many products from thirty or so years ago are still running strong today.  Why?  I firmly believe products from earlier time periods were made with better materials and quality workmanship.  Today we find products being placed on store shelves that are poorly made by someone pressured to meet a quota.  The goal is making fast money.  These companies don’t care.  The sooner a product breaks the more quickly the consumer purchases a replacement under the “New & Improved” guise or the product is given a new name.  Weeks later we find the product falling apart again as the creator laughs all the way the bank.

This mindset is pervasive in our society and has began permeating the fabric of our churches.  Church is becoming less about building relationships, spending intimate moments with God, or showing genuine love and kindness to someone.  When was the last time you thought, “I sure wish I could talk to (you fill in the blank).  Maybe a loved one passed prematurely and things were left unsaid. We fail to tell that person how much they mean to us or how much we love them because some activity was more important.  Sometimes it is necessary to hurry up and slow down.  Let me guess–you don’t have enough hours in a day to get everything done.  Guess what?  None of us do!  Oddly enough, we always seem to find time to do the things we WANT to do.  I encourage you to purposefully slow down today and concentrate on the things that really matter.  Things like building meaningful relationships, showing love to the hurting, extending grace and forgiveness when those around you don’t deserve it.  I highly doubt I will be found on my death bed wishing I had worked more.  Some things cannot/should not be rushed.  My relationship with my wife doesn’t grow until we spend intimate moments together.  The same can be said of your relationship with God or those around you. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” [1 Cor 13:13]

Closing remarks and encouragement: Make it a point to spend purposeful moments with your Heavenly Father and those around you today.  Love is the greatest gift you can give and receive.  Give it freely and without reservation.  You’ll be glad you did.  Have a blessed week, my friends!