“It’s hard to slow down when the race has no finish line.”
(Notes from a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenreider, page 66)
The internet has deceived me, and I dare say, maybe you as well. It tells me, “You must keep going.” Truth be known, I do not. The internet, and social media, will go on without me. I do not need to read … one more post, leave one more comment or respond to one more. There is nothing saying I must write another post or “like” another one.
We don’t need to post another Facebook status, or 140 character tweet, or pin to Pinterest, or Instagram more pictures to show our activities throughout the day.
We keep going, keep posting, keep checking because of the very fact – there is no end. No finish line in sight.
Or at least that is what we are led to believe.
But here’s the truth – there is. There really is a finish line. Every day we are each a little closer to that finish line too. Paul had the right idea when he told us ….
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the day of his return.”
(2 Timothy 4:7-8, NLT)
I must be sure I am running the race, the right race at that.
These days – I cannot get them back. Neither will you. Live in light of what is truly important. Sickness has been a gift. A gift which began to open my eyes.
I must take time to rest. To quiet myself. Time with no demands, concentrating on the truly important which is with me and in front of me.
My lifeline is time spent with God and my family. The only important tasks are those He requires of me each day. The demands and pulls which are calling out, distracting me from the essentials and vitals of life, need to be put back in their place.
There really is a finish line.
I want to cross it knowing I was all in.
Every day.
This post was shared with … Sharing His Beauty, Mon. Musings, Inspire Me Mon., Making Your Home Sing, Motivation Mon., She Lives Free, Chronicles of Grace.
Very wise words! We can get carried away thinking we need to keep up and really it never ends. Putting God first and doing what He call us to first is the best way to get the important things done. Thanks for linking up to Motivational Monday!
Putting Him first truly puts everything in its proper order. I have enjoyed linking at Motivational Mon. Have a great week!
So Well said.
Debi
” ..time to rest. To quiet myself. Time with no demands, concentrating on the truly important which is with me and in front of me.” Ah, the thought fills me with peace. I do this most days, but I do know i need it in big doses sometimes. I try to get away once a month for the day, but it’s so easy to put it off. this just reminds me once again of what is important. Headed off to my little lake for some quiet time. I was going to do some stuff first, but think i’ll sign off and get out of here. Really appreciate what you have written here. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Carol. I do hope you find sufficient rest for your soul. Blessings!
I’m sorry you’ve been sick. But what a beautiful lesson to be experiencing: “I want to cross it knowing I was all in.”
It is too easy for me also to get trapped in one more, one more. But this is enough.
It is so true, Lisa. The “one more” will get us every time. Have a great week!
I, too, am sorry for your sickness… and I resonate with your heart, the way your eyes have opened to something more, for there are profound gifts to receive in sickness, indeed. The slowing down and reordering priorities toward rest is so incredibly challenging for us to do, and yet, SO life-giving. Thank you for sharing these bits of wisdom from your journey with us at Unforced Rhythms.
We can tend to view “rest” as unproductive when in reality it increases our productivity. It is life-giving as you shared. I always enjoy joining Unforced Rhythms & appreciate you stopping here. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Joanna…how true that our race running is not in vain. There is a finish line…” And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the day of his return.” Love this reassurance. Thank you for sharing at Monday’s Musings. Have a great week.
So very true, Naomi. Always a joy to join you!