Start Slow

Start Slow

Every race has rhythm, strategy, and execution. As we’ve been discussing, for most marathon runners their first five miles should be their slowest segment of the race. The stretch from mile six through fifteen should be the fastest, where the runner gets into a groove and hits his or her stride. From sixteen to twenty the runner should hold steady, and from twenty-one to twenty-six the runner should do the best he or she can, depending on the remaining physical and emotional reserves. Then comes the end of the race—with the goal in sight, the runner gives every ounce of strength to finish well. Each race has a time to run slow and a time to run fast.

Life has rhythms as well, and each life has a time to run slow and a time to run fast. Slowing down can be tough for many because we’re geared to get going, move quickly, and work hard to accomplish our goals. But we aren’t designed to go, go, go nonstop. We need hours and days at a much slower pace; we need rest. That’s why God created the Sabbath, a day of rest. In the rhythm of life, we need to be still and be patient. David wrote, “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).

The Runner

Although he was born first, few years separate his siblings—all five of them. So his growing-up years were fun but a bit chaotic as Mom and Dad tried to shepherd the family. Every meal was an adventure, and eventually church and school activities and events packed the schedule.

As he matured, so did his electronics collection. At first he had just a radio, which he turned on as soon as he entered his bedroom. The family had one television set at first, but eventually they appeared in three or four rooms, with channels multiplying from the basic five or six to hundreds. The transistor radios of his childhood gave way to Walkmans, which gave way to MP3 players. And life moved on, faster every year. These days all the information he needs—and much of the entertainment—is at his fingertips with his phone, a constant companion. And now that he’s immersed in a career, he has to be available at all times, receiving and sending calls, e-mails, and texts.

“Wait patiently” to hear from God—nearly impossible in this information-overloaded, noise-cluttered, and entertainment-saturated world.

The Race

Most believers would say they want to know God’s will and ways—they want to hear from him. But we can’t hear much of anything in all the noise of life. With schedules packed full of events and obligations, we race through every day honking, talking, texting, and tweeting. Even ministry events—services, meetings, socials, choirs, and classes—can hinder a relationship with God. At times we can be so busy doing, doing, doing that we neglect just “being.” We’re moving quickly through life but away from him without even realizing it. We need to slow down, take a breath, and listen. The Lord says, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world” (Psalm 46:10).

Just as at the beginning of a race when you have to think about your pace and consciously choose to start slow, finding time to “wait patiently” begins with a decision and needs to be intentional. This won’t just happen—we won’t suddenly encounter extended quiet, a significant gap in the schedule—because we are so easily caught up in each day’s excitement and busyness. We need to choose to “be still.”

The Result

Don’t let the race of life set your pace for life. Build Sabbath into your schedule (regular times to slow down), be patient, be still, and listen to what God is saying. Walk away from the computer. Leave the iPod behind. Go to a place where you can almost feel the silence . . . and listen. Sometimes we can “be still” while running—if we’re focused on God.

My Story

October 17, 2007

Lord, my job is driving me crazy. I used to love it and felt called to it. I don’t like who I am becoming, and the burden is too great. I have felt this way for eighteen months. Why am I so slow to trust you? Why am I so afraid of letting go? I’m staying home today. Let’s go on a run together. . . .

Creation is screaming your name. The sun is breaking through the multicolored leaves you painted. The grass is damp with your breath. I’m sorry I ran for eighteen months. I can’t run anymore—you take my breath away. I’m tired of running—I’m on my knees before you—on holy ground, face buried, tears flowing. I crawl to a huge stone next to the river. Your altar—I’m yours—I surrender all—my life is not my own—use me. You are my only treasure. I’m scared, Lord. No regrets!

(Copied from my journal, the day I transitioned from commodities trader to, eventually, youth pastor.)

Don P.

Think It Through

1. What noise fills your life? What activities, responsibilities, and events fill your schedule?

2. Why do you find slowing down so difficult?

3. When have you taken an extended period of time to listen to God speaking to you?

4. What can you do to carve out more personal time for God in your life?

On Running

How does my personality affect my performance?

Our personalities determine how we adjust to our environment, and each person responds differently and uniquely. Your psychological core is the most basic you—your feelings, self-concept, and so forth—the hardest area to get to know, but the most stable. Your personality traits will affect, therefore, how you typically respond to your environment. The more intense and competitive a person is, the more persistent that runner will be, obviously affecting his or her performance in a workout or race.