Didn’t hear from many of you after last post (about stirring up your gifts), though a number told me in person that it spoke to them. I’m grateful when that happens. And I do like the response; it lets me know someone’s out there, reading, thinking with me.
On another topic, here’s a quote that convicts. It’s about the waste of haste, from a pastor relating what he said was the most profound regret in life:
“Being in a hurry. Getting to the next thing without fully entering the thing in front of me. I cannot think of a single advantage I’ve ever gained from being in a hurry. But a thousand broken and missed things, tens of thousands, lie in the wake of all the rushing . . . . Through all that haste I thought I was making up time. It turns out I was throwing it away.”
It’s quoted in the beautifully written, One Thousand Gifts, Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, by Ann Voskamp. More about that another day perhaps. For now it’s just that one quote by a pastor, in the context of a funeral, that captures my attention and catches me up short.
The pastor’s not named, but maybe just as well, as it’s something most of us could say if we thought about it.
That’s all.
(Keeping this one short as I know you have much else to do. Me too.)
Next, about slowing time down.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
3:54 am
Silence does not necessarily mean no one is listening, in fact, sometimes deep thought is the result. Sometimes, silence is just golden.
5:21 am
Thank you for your thoughts. I rarely (have I ever?) commented on your posts, but I read many of them. Keep thinking. Keep challenging. Keep questioning. It does me a world of good to read that someone else is thinking the same thoughts and asking the same questions! And sometimes you think thoughts that I have never thought and that’s also exciting! Thank you for that gift!
6:18 am
Yes, I can attest to this also. Many of my regrets are the “missed opportunities” because I thought there would be a better time. Thanks Hyatt.
7:14 am
I am in exceptionally busy season right now. Lots of good things coming in the next few weeks. While I enjoy the anticipation of good to come, I do find it necessary to remember to slow down and enjoy today, this day that I was so joyfully looking forward to a few short weeks ago. Thank you for the reminder!
8:09 am
Brennan Manning calls this, “Living in the Geography of Nowhere.” As in now-here. Released from our past/future prison, we live in the present joy of God. In a perfect world, you might say, which is true, I do think Heaven will be just that. But those moments can happen here, and it’s truly where we all want to be. All that aside, I love the idea, Hyatt. Thanks for the reminder!
8:45 am
Have never commented on your writing, but I am reading, pondering, and enjoying them all. Thanks Hyatt.
9:50 am
Like many others, always reading your posts, but rarely commenting. Keep up the good work, Hyatt, we need thinkers who can so beautifully express and define some of our thoughts. I’ve read Ann Voskamp’s book….a reminder that I need to read it again. :) Bless you, and Anne.
10:21 am
Thank you so much for these mini devotions.
A short while ago it was brought to my attention (thank you Father), that I was wearing myself out rushing through one thing simply to rush onto another thing. (Packing more into one day so to speak.)
It is good to be able to take time to see God’s fingerprints in the things around me again. Too bad it took so long. Thanks for the reminder.
9:05 pm
all that rush and then to forget why a body rushed – for no gain!
I read everyone of your “letters” and find something to take away in each one of them whether I comment on line or not. Too often my comments remain locked in my cranium!
Keep up the interesting work and God bless.
7:30 am
I realized I was missing my own life being in a hurry all the time….I refuse to do that anymore. Thanks for this very timely letter.
And I do read almost every Blank Slate post and am grateful for each and every one….they are companions I take with me in my daily walk…
All best to you and Anne,
Mary
4:06 pm
Hurry up and get packed, Hyatt! You don’t want to miss your flight !! Relax in the Spanish countryside and soak it all up like your so good at doing. Love, Sue