The other day as we were sitting at his lesson, his instructor was trying to teach him to use slower, longer bowing strokes. When he slowed down a little like his instructor asked, his cello produced a richer, more beautiful sound.
How many of us approach life like the way my son was playing his cello?
When we rush, our lives offen produce harsher, rougher notes. The music of our lives can lack the richness and beauty God intended.
Don't get me wrong, there are certainly times that life demands speed; moments where we must make quick decisions and act decisively.
But, more times than we realize, we move too fast, decide too quickly, and miss out on the richness of a slower, more deliberate life.
The great theologian Ferris Bueller once said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." I think Ferris had a point. We can so get wrapped up in what we are trying to do that we miss what we are doing and what is going on around us.
This is a valuable lesson that I have been reminded of this summer as I have gotten back into riding my bike. When I go for a bike ride, I see things I would have missed driving my car. The sound of a gentle breeze. The motion of one God's creatures scurrying into a field. The majesty of a bird soaring above. The beauty of the sun breaking through the clouds.
Stop.
Listen.
Look.
Be still.
Be present...
There is something about slowing down that allows us to savor the small things in life.
There are times that I eat quickly and times I chew slowly, enjoying every little flavor. At restaurants where I buy an expensive meal with quality meat, I find myself taking a little more time and enjoying every bite.
I think I need to be like that more often with life.
Don't we all?
Take time this week to slow down. Do one less thing. Play one less video game. Watch one less TV show.
Take a walk, even if it's just around the block.
Read a book.
Sit outside for ten minutes enjoying nature.
You may not "get anything done," but I think you might gain a better appreciation for what you have and feel refreshed.
I have heard it said that a lumberjack who spends seven hours cutting and one hour sharpening his saw cuts down more wood than one who spends all eight hours cutting. Maybe if we would take a little time to rest and slow down then our work would be more productive and enjoyable.
Whether it's a cello bow, a lumberjack's saw, or a busy life, going slower may be just what we need to reveal a little more beauty in our lives.
shine!
Jason
