Slow Down and Relax :)

I just came from a very nourishing household. And I just want to say this out loud:

#IREALLYLOVEMYSFCHOUSEHOLDANDITHANKGODFORTHEM! ♥

The topic is just so timely. Ang galing lang talaga ni God magbigay ng mensahe. Laging on time! :)

We talked about slowing down from an article by Will Forsythe. Allow me to share the most striking parts:

Whenever God is up to something in my life, it's always a simple message. Maybe that's because He is well aware of who He is working with.

"Slow Down..."

I hear that whispered every time I work on the calendar with my wife.

"Slow Down..."

It echoes whenever I say yes to one more meeting, or sign up for one more event.

"Slow Down..."

I hate this idea. If I slow down, I often feel like I'm failing, or worried I'm going to be missing out on something. Slowing down sounds like something you would say to your Grandpa, not something for a 32-year old young professional, who is balancing the demand of family, leadership, and friendships. Yet God continues to whisper and remind me that my identity is not found in how much I do, how productive I am, but my true identity is rooted in what has been done for me in Christ.

I think this is the journey that Christ calls us to during Lent – to believe that we are blessed as God’s creation, yet we are all broken, and Christ gave himself, His body, so that we can be renewed, be known and loved, so that we can slow down and find new life.

I don’t know what God is up to in your life, but I can guess that slowing down for 40 days, and preparing for new life in Christ may give us all a little direction, particular encouragement, or maybe even some hope as we travel on this fast-paced road together.

Reflection: In what aspect of my life does God tell me to slow down?

Pondering on what I have been up to lately, clearly, God is telling me to slow down on pushing myself to the limits just to achieve my goals and fulfill my dreams. I have always been passionate in everything that I do especially when given the proper motivation. This year, I committed to become the best in everything that I am and in everything that I do. I've set targets for myself and I am determined to meet those targets, living by this principle: "Do whatever it takes." I would spend extra hours in the office, I would grab every opportunity to earn, and I would literally do whatever it takes just to accomplish everything on my list. I guess I've pushed myself too hard that my body cried "enough!" So last week, I was diagnosed with upper respiratory tract infection and was advised to rest. For three straight days, I wasn't able to report for work. I was given antibiotics which has side effects that I still have to bear until now. And I came to realize, I was rushing things. I was trying to do things on my own, following my own schedule, so eager to carry out my own plans. I was no longer considering God's plans and God's timing.

Clearly now, God wants me to slow down. :)

Slow down to re-focus and evaluate my priorities.

Slow down to breathe and appreciate the little wonders He has prepared for me every single day.

Slow down to just bask in God's presence and have the assurance that everything will fall into place in His perfect time.

Photo Credit: iheartinspiration.com

God wants me to slow down and patiently wait for the realization of my dreams, for the fulfillment of His promises.

I will have that dream house.

I will have that dream car.

I will have that dream wedding.

I will have that dream business.

I will have that dream vacation.

I will be a wife and a mother.

All in God's time. :)

Photo Credit: Carl Honore

For now, I just need to slow down and RELAX:

Realize that nobody's perfect.

Enjoy God's unconditional love.

Let God handle things.

Act in faith and not in fear.

eXchange perfectionism for God's peace.

Happy, Healthy, Holy Thursday! Thank You Lord for the gift of rest. :) ♥

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