Slow and steady wins the race. We’ve heard the tale a
thousand times. But how often do we take that advice? I am someone who thrives when my calendar is
full. Until I don’t. Let me explain.
Being a stay-at-home mom means that I get to schedule my days. Schedule my
workouts, my grocery shopping, my housekeeping chores, my lunches with friends
(or mahjong or pickleball dates.) I love the routine of having Bible study on
Wednesday mornings and seeing my mom friends at school pickup each afternoon. I
love cooking dinner for my family and gathering around the table each evening
with my most beloved husband and kids. But sometimes, in this fast-paced
suburban life, my schedule overwhelms me. It becomes too much. Even on the days
that I make sure to take time and sit with Jesus and read The Word, I find
myself running to the next thing on my list rather quickly. I become the hare
in our tale. The rabbit. I start to feel like White Rabbit from Alice
in Wonderland. You remember. He has a clock and he’s hustling everywhere
while Alice is trying to keep up.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the
prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the
games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last,
but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like
someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I
strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to
others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV
After observing a few junior high track meets this spring, I
have come to remember something very crucial:
In a long distance race, you must pace yourself. I have watched as one of my dear friend’s
daughter wins her prized gold medal week after week. She sets a pace. She knows she has a long way to go. Not only that – she has practiced and trained
and prepared her mind and body for this race.
She fuels herself with the correct nutrients and conditioning activities
to keep her body working at optimum levels.
Friends, let this encourage you today: Our life is like a race – but it is not a
sprint! It is a marathon. A
journey. Sometimes, it is best to put
off the chores and the list that so easily entangles us. Sometimes, we must slow our pace and BE THE
TURTLE. Ever seen them sunbathing on a
rock? Be the turtle: Relax in the Son’s presence
and breathe.
I have to tell myself daily to slow down. Take one thing at a time. Be open and flexible to go where God calls
me. I might have my own agenda for the
day, but sometimes God has a different one and His plan is always better. So follow His path for you today. And don’t give up training. Read His Word, praise Him, thank Him, love
others well by interceding for them and encouraging them, and go forth into
your calling in His Kingdom. Train- day in and day out. And keep pressing on to win the prize: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
