The Beautiful Life

Not So Fast

I grew up in a little white farmhouse in the country, where it took 30 minutes to get to the grocery store but 30 seconds to get to the backyard garden. Where swimming pools were a once-a-year treat, but creeks and ponds were every day. Looking back, life was blissfully slow. Although I didn’t always appreciate it then, I am really grateful now. In the midst of driving all over town for ballet lessons, worship meetings, prayer meetings, grocery shopping, playdates, etc., sometimes I just want to go squish my toes in some mud and lay down in the grass and watch the clouds.

The pace of life can get out of hand sometimes and it can be hard to say “no,” especially when those things are good. But over the last couple of years, I’ve started saying “no,” and in the saying “no” to the things that make me feel frazzled and busy, I’ve found time to say “yes” to the things that refresh and renew. I can say “yes” to a prayer time early in the morning. I can say “yes” to a rainy morning of stories and games and giggles. I can say “yes” to taking a long walk with my husband on our date night. I can say “yes” to a friend who unexpectedly drops by. I’m learning to slow down and listen, to connect and re-connect, to breathe, to wonder, to live.

Interested in learning how to live the slow life? I’m giving away a copy of Ann Kroeker’s new book, Not So Fast. Comment here or on Facebook to be entered to win (US residents only, please). Don’t forget to check out her companion site, Not So Fast, for more tips and articles, and you read my previous posts on slowing down here.

*Photos from my grandparents’ (now dad’s) farm, where I spent many slow summer afternoons.

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