MARGIN AND SLOWING

We cannot slow down until we know how to practice margin. (This is why margin was discussed in this book before slowing down.) We have to begin cutting out activities before we can change the pace of our lives. Matt Johnson, a coworker in The Apprentice Series material, is a living example of margin and slowing down. A successful assistant pastor for several years, Matt took on more responsibilities each year—largely because he’s good at many things. At a certain point he realized that his busyness was affecting his spiritual life. After consulting with his wife, Matt asked the senior pastor if he could cut back on his work. This obviously meant a reduction in his salary, which Matt himself suggested.

Now on Mondays and Fridays Matt has extended times sitting at the feet of Jesus. As a friend I can tell you that the Christ who dwells in Matt is a great blessing to me and many others. To be sure, he “accomplishes” less, and he makes a little less money, but his soul has grown tremendously. Which is more important? Matt would be the first to tell you that what he has gained far outweighs what he has sacrificed. Matt lives at the right pace, is present where he is and brings Christ into every aspect of his life.

HOW TO PRACTICE SLOWING DOWN

• Think about the activities of the upcoming day. Instead of waiting until the last minute to go to your next activity, try leaving ten minutes early. Walk more slowly. Drive more slowly. When you arrive at your destination a bit earlier than usual, use the extra time to notice people and things around you. Breathe.

• Intentionally get in the slowest lane while driving, and the longest checkout line when shopping. Good luck with this one!

• Plan a meal with a friend or group of friends. Cook slowly. Enjoy the act and smells of cooking. Linger over your meal, spending an hour or two eating slowly, conversing and enjoying the blessing of food.

• Set aside an hour today to be a sloth (animals that move very slowly, sometimes taking ten minutes to climb a few feet). Move slowly. Take up to five minutes just to walk from the living room to the kitchen. Take a step and stop. Notice things. Breathe deeply. Be present to the present moment. Do everything at a deliberately slower speed.

• Make a whole day a “slow day.” Get up a little earlier so you can have time to linger over breakfast. If you are at work, do your work with a slower, more rhythmic pace (assuming your profession allows this; if you need to act quickly, do so without “hurrying”). Cut out TV and all forms of media for the day. Take time to watch a sunset, take a leisurely walk, watch kids play in the park. Sometime later in the evening, sketch out your thoughts about what living a slowed-down life would look like.

When you change speeds your internal system (your soul) will be thrown off of its usual pace and feelings of frustration will develop. For example, when you force yourself to drive in the slow lane, you’ll begin to feel your stomach churn a bit, and maybe you’ll grind your teeth. Your body will be saying, “C’mon, hurry up, step on it, let’s go,” as it has been trained to do. You will need to die to that inward need. Don’t worry—you can do this. It has not killed anyone so far.

FOR REFLECTION

Whether you are going through this material alone or with others, the following questions might be helpful as you reflect on your experience. Either way, it might be a good idea to answer these questions in your journal. If you are meeting with a group, bring your journal with you to help you remember your insights as you share your experiences.

1. 1. Were you able to practice any of the exercises this week? If so, describe what you did and how you felt about it.

2. 2. What, if anything, did you learn about God or yourself through the exercises?

3. 3. Slowing down is countercultural. Describe the challenges you encountered. Will you keep trying to slow down in the future?