When Autumn leaves begin to blow. The changing of seasons and the slowing of days. In the last few years I have seen more clearly than ever before the frantic pace that many Americans choose to live. I consistently see a pace lived by many that ignores rhythm and pace, to pursue ambition and desire, never pausing to give space or time for rest and renewal. Over the past decade I have spent my days building, from commercial spaces, to homes, office remodels and medical clinic repairs. In the seasons of fall and winter the pace of projects naturally slows down, usually because of weather and holidays. This forced change of pace is seen by many as an inconvenience to their desired timelines and schedules.
I have seen through these projects and years of changing seasons, that we often ignore the natural and spiritual rhythms of slowed pace, and God given shorter days. We were made to find rest, to be with God in the cool of the day, and that requires our pace to slow at times and create margin for rest and renewal. I am constantly confronted with project schedules and timelines of completing projects, but often I am reminded that rest is necessary to keep living and doing what we love.
I believe there is a blindness that comes to the over ambitious who refuse to pause, reflect, and rest. Becoming obsessed with the next thing, the next project, the next car or house. Our desires and passions get lost in the pace of American culture and ambition, and we easily loose ourselves as we try to keep up with an imaginary idea of life. My response and encouragement to others is often to pause, slow down, say no, offer advice yet decline projects that cause you to be overworked. I know that there are opportunities everywhere, yet its more important now than ever to slow down and live a joy filled life with friends, family, and God our creator, for He created these seasons, and desires that we would slow down and walk with Him in the cool of each day.
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