The inclement winter weather we often experience in Michigan can make for some precarious driving. While I’ve lived in a snowy climate the vast majority of my life, I still hate driving in the snow. If I had the choice, I’d always have my husband do the driving or I’d not go any place at all.
There are many keys to becoming a savvy Michigan winter driver. First, drive smoothly. Jerky movements can easily unstick tires that have a tenuous grip on the slippery road, so every turn of the wheel; push of the brakes and movement of the throttle must be deliberate, gentle and gradual. Next, look far ahead. Anticipate what you’ll do next and concentrate. Third, heed the flashing lights around you. Fourth, learn how to counter steer if sliding occurs. Finally, and probably most importantly SLOW DOWN, which is often hard for most of us to do because we are in a hurry.
Psalm 27:4-5
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gave upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Life feels like a race sometimes, doesn’t it? Hurry is a frenzied state of mind. That state of mind is driven by adrenaline and fear. If we want to meet the demands placed on us, we need to work, move, serve, and play as quickly as possible. This is exhausting.
Hurry is not David’s mindset in this passage. David invites relishing in the Lord. He wants us to slow down and enjoy God’s presence, God’s beauty and God’s goodness.
Slowing down gives us an appreciation for what is around us as the present.
Is it difficult for you to slow down? Why or why not? How might you cultivate a slower pace in order to be fully present in the present?