It seems like in today’s world, we’ve forgotten how to slow down.

In a world filled with instant coffee, drive-through meals, and grocery stores that will actually shop for you while you wait in your car (not mad about this one, honestly) – we seem to have lost our ability to be patient and WAIT.

As I get up in my old age (haha) I am realizing that the moments I had to wait are the moments that I learned SO MUCH about myself, others around me, and God.

Much like a tea bag in a glass of boiled water, the longer it sits the more robust of a flavor oozes out for you to enjoy. Leave a tea bag for 10 seconds and you will have a slight idea of the flavor…leave it for the suggested 3-5 minutes (so loooonnngggg ;)) and you have a robust and flavorful cup of tea to enjoy.

I’ve really been enjoying The Message Bible lately and one while skimming Jeremiah the other day I came across the latter half of the second chapter. The first part of Jeremiah 2:25 says:

“Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway?” – Jer 2:25a MSG

The great South African / Virginian Theologian, Dave Matthews, has a song titled Ants marching and it also hits me right in the heart when it comes to the condition of Man and the realities we find ourselves living in.

“Driving in on this highway
All these cars end up on the sidewalk
People in every direction
No words exchanged
No time to exchange

And all the little ants are marching
Red and black antennas waving
They all do it the same
They all do it the same way…”

– Dave Matthews Band “Ants Marching” from Under The Table Dreaming 1994

May we be people marked with slowness. May we take time to exchange words, a smile, a hug, to someone we love…or even a stranger.

Shalom.