When Life Slows You Down, God Lifts You Up

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” —Psalm 23:2 

Life has a way of forcing us to stop when we least expect it. For me, that moment came after hernia surgery. I thought I’d bounce right back—maybe a few days of rest, then back to my usual rhythm. Instead, I moved at a snail’s pace, carefully planning every bend, breath, and step through the incredible pain surrounding me.

I have so much to do. I didn’t prepare for being unable to work. I recently returned from an amazing celebration of the Network of Biblical Storytellers’ 40th Anniversary. It couldn’t have gone any better! I was on a real high from all that had happened, so there were thank-you notes to write and follow-up emails to send, etc.

Not to mention, the sheer joy of my biblical novel, Daughters of the Desert, is in the process of being published by April/May. There is much to attend to here. Oh, and there is this “little” event called Kiwanis Sea Cliff Mini Mart, which takes place every first Sunday in October, where my husband, Roger, and I serve as co-event directors for a 12,000-person street fair. Wow. Lots to do!

Have you been there? Perhaps your plate is overflowing, with a long list, and limited capacity to get it done. It can be humbling to know that it’s okay to let go. It means moving differently. To walk at a gentler pace, to pause when your body needs to, and to accept that healing takes the time it takes.

It certainly gave me new insight for all those who have had or are going through surgery or any illness. When I set out to pause social media, I put on my Facebook a photo of me in the hospital, and oh my, wow, what beautiful prayers and encouragement. But also, stories of people going through the same thing. It was an opportunity for me to follow up with them later.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

One of my beacons of light was being grateful for the small things. The quiet comfort of a cup of fresh mint tea. The sheer relief of taking a deep breath without pain. A meal made of my favorite dish, sitting and looking out at my backyard, and admiring God’s creativity in the cathedral of trees in the neighborhood. Recovery has a way of sharpening your eyes to beauty in the ordinary.

It was a good time to pick up a book, and I selected Travis West’s book, The Sabbath Way, to reread.

“Imagine stepping off the treadmill of busyness, even for a day, and finding space to breathe, connect, and be. The Sabbath Way Travis West invites you into this sacred rhythm of rest and delight–something our hurried lives desperately need. This book shows how Sabbath can anchor your week and nourish your soul.”

John Swinton, Professor of Practical Theology at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland

What I love about this book is that it’s not just about one day. It’s about a whole approach to life. It appears I need to keep rereading this, as I fell right back into having too much on the list. It’s about connecting with God’s message of celebrating his creation with love, forgiveness, and JOY. If we rush through life and check off all our actions on the list, are we happy? Did we do this with joy? Are we really present for the most essential things in our lives?

I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10

Now, as I regain strength, I don’t want to forget these lessons. Slowing down has taught me to listen more carefully, to receive more freely, and to notice more deeply.

Perhaps you have also been nudged into slowing down by illness, weariness, or simply life’s demands.
May you find that rest is not weakness but holy ground, where God renews your strength day by day.