Jimbo's Jots

“I’m in a hurry to get things done
Oh, I rush and rush until life’s no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
Even I’m in a hurry and don’t know why” (Song written by Roger Murrah and Randy VanWarmer, recorded and released by Alabama, 1992)

He was sitting across the screen from me in the middle of a counseling session. He kept saying that he felt like he was running around and a bit out of control. He gets up early, goes to work, and comes home. Once he’s home, he’s working on projects around the house. His wife has come home in the meantime and joins in the hectic life of house projects, going to the gym, and meal preps. By the time that they have to sit down and slow down, it’s really almost time for bed. Speaking of bedtime, it’s another difficult sleep as his mind races through the day that just happened and circles around to the next day, projects left unfinished, driving to work.

So as we talked back and forth, he told me he was having a hard time slowing down, slowing his mind down. He asked what he could do. So we talked about the things that contribute to his anxiety and the lack of slowing his mind down. I introduced an activity that he could try that would allow some time to slow his mind down and give him a chance to relax. In addition to his exercise routine (he’s training to run a marathon), he agreed to try this little routine on his way home from work.

At our last session, he reported that he had been putting it into practice on his way home from work. He continued by saying that there is a park on his way home. He pulls into the park and begins to slow his mind and body down. He observes his surroundings using his five senses, acknowledging everything. The practice allows for him to become more aware of his own mind, body, soul and spirit while connecting with a peaceful surrounding. Even after a brief time of trying to build this into his routine, he acknowledges how beneficial it has been to slow himself down.

We have not addressed the spiritual component. The Psalmist writes a song about our reliance on God when we face battles and our anxiety is increased. “Come and see what the Lord has done.” (Psalm 46:8, NIV) Then, something I’ve never noticed before (in bold).

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10, NIV)

I know the “Be still and know” part. I never really noticed the “He says!!” He says!! God says, “Be still!” He says, “KNOW that I am God!” As you are still, noticing your five senses and acknowledging your surroundings, KNOW that He is God. In your quiet, KNOW that He is there.

Maybe there is something to be said about the hurried life, especially if you are rushing to get to some quiet time. In your quiet, be still. Relax! What do you see around you? What do you smell? What do you hear? Maybe you can taste something. What do you feel with your hands or feet? And see God in all of this at work to still our hearts, minds and souls.

Be blessed in His stillness! Be a blessing to others!