We are living in the age of accelerations. | Thomas Friedman

Our daughter, Kelly, lives in Dallas with her family. When her oldest son, Jake, was a newborn she became convicted about driving the speed limit on the interstate. She was determined to drive at the designated speed. A few days later, she phoned and said, “Mom, I can’t do it.” “You can’t do what, I ask?” “I can’t drive the speed limit. If I do, we are going to be killed.” 

I laughed and assured her that God understood that for her safety, and the baby’s, it was necessary to keep up with the traffic on the interstate. But when she had the opportunity to travel the side roads, she could slow down and drive the speed limit. If you have ever driven in Dallas, you will understand her dilemma! 

In driving on the interstate, Kelly was forced to go at an accelerated speed that made her feel uncomfortable and unsafe. When she chose an alternate route, she could slow down, feeling more comfortable and safe.

There are times in life when we are forced to go at an accelerated speed. But often going at an accelerated speed is our choice in order to keep up with co-workers, family, friends, and to obtain more and more possessions. Are you traveling through life at an accelerated speed? Are you willing to choose an alternate route, one that others may not choose because it is too slow? Going through life at an accelerated speed will have its consequences and may result in death—spiritual and physical. But in choosing the alternate route you will find peace, protection, and a perhaps a deeper relationship with your heavenly Father and others.

Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. | Dallas Willard

– Dianne