Unhurried

For years, one small phrase has found its way into much of my thinking, teaching and writing:

𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝑫𝒐𝒘𝒏.

I have come to believe there are things we notice about Jesus Christ, about others and even about ourselves that are very difficult to see when we are rushing.

A few days ago, Cooper Christensen came to stay with us. Cooper was one of our missionaries during our time in Belgium and the Netherlands, and over the last 3 years since his return home, this is the first time our paths have crossed in Scotland.

As we talked and reminisced, he told me something that made me smile.

At various moments in his life, particularly when things have been moving quickly, he has heard my Scottish voice in his head saying: “𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧.”

I’m not sure whether that is comforting or slightly worrying, but I loved knowing that such a simple thought had stayed with him.

Yesterday, another visitor arrived, our grandson Oscar.

We took him for a wander down to the Glen. Of course, when you are with a little boy, progress is measured rather differently. There are things to look at and things to pick up. Paths to explore and squirrels to feed. And, apparently, traffic cones that simply must be hugged.

At one point Monic looked at me and said something like: “Oscar helps you slow down.”

She was right.

Two visitors. Two very different stages of life. And somehow the same joyful lesson.

I thought again about Elder Patrick Kearon‘s wonderful recent message at BYU Education Week, Peace and Rest—Even Now. He acknowledged the importance of goals, plans and achievement, but invited us to consider what happens when they begin to consume us. His simple plea was, “Please, please slow down.”

What struck me most was his reminder that our Saviour Himself was not in a hurry. Jesus withdrew to pray. He noticed people. He rested. He sat with others. He created space for communion as well as service. Elder Kearon beautifully described discipleship as needing both service and stillness.

Perhaps that is what I have been trying to learn all these years.

Slowing down isn’t about doing nothing. It is about being sufficiently unhurried to notice what matters most. To hear, to see, to feel, to be fully present and to recognise the quiet promptings of the Spirit.

To enjoy two evenings of conversation with a former missionary who has become a dear friend.

To wander through the Glen at the pace of a little boy fascinated by a traffic cone.

Elder Kearon spoke of trusting “the slow work of God”—allowing ourselves to be unfinished while trusting that His hand is still at work.

Isaiah expressed it beautifully: “…in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15

So, this Sunday morning, I am grateful for two visitors who reminded me of something I have spent years trying to remember.

Sometimes heaven’s invitation is not to do more. Rather it is simply: 𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏.

And perhaps, when we do, we discover that our Saviour was already there. I must admit it’s been a great few days of slowing!

What might you notice today if you slowed down just a little?