I have been reading and musing over the book “The Good and Beautiful God” by James Bryon Smith. (I recommend it) The last chapter was about slowing down in order to live in the present moment with God. Admittedly, I don’t have this one down at all. It takes me a while at the end of the day or during a vacation to unplug from not simply multitasking but that ominously new phenomena of omnitasking. Omnitasking is being engaged in such things as texting from your Iphone while driving down the freeway at 70 miles per hour while on the business trip with the GPS device is telling you where to go, sipping the latte you purchased and talking on your bluetooth to your spouse about the kids school work. Are you tired yet? I need a nap but can't because I'm racing down the freeway. The nap will have to wait until I get on the plane..oh wait a minute. I have to create a report while flying home. You get the picture.
On the other hand solotasking is giving your total attention to one activity or person in order to produce or engage at your highest level and experience the deepest fulfillment. Rested, aware of surroundings, and connected to God is where life is lived...really lived. Hurry vanishes while peace, calm and order replaces the out of control lifestyles. Spouses draw closer to each other, parents have energy for their kids, people take care of their bodies through eating right, exercise and rest, and joy returns to the heart.
The world is working hard to steal our peace. Peace doesn’t usually reside in a state of constant hurry and stress. Peace resides in those who can go against the cultural norm in order to find solace and quiet in God.
I am seeking a slower pace, one where living deeply occurs as a result of being profoundly connected to the heart of God. My Christmas present to myself is to walk away from the frenetic pace so I don’t leave God behind in my wake. Instead, I want to stay in step with the Spirit. My first step in this process is to take Friday and Saturday off from work. Equally important to this change will be the necessity for time in the Word, meditation and prayer before the day begins. Five minute walks to get away from the computer and phone are in order so as to reconnect with the Spirit are part of my plan as well. You may think this is a funny idea but I plan to drive slower too. I don't drive excessively fast but I do get nervous when I am behind a slower car...Know what I mean? Eating slower, playing while doing the dishes...living simply and simply living.
How about you? Which do you want? Omnitasking or solotasking? Some place in the middle? At the end of the day, what brought you fulfillment? Stop, slow down, look for God, open your eyes to see Him...ENJOY!
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