Generation NeXt Parenting

Dare to Dream Part 2...

SLOWING DOWN – Are Our Hurried Todays Hindering Our Hopes For Tomorrow?

Perhaps you have a long-held yearning to write the all-American novel, work with the youth group, or take up oil painting. It seems these types of wishes often get shuffled out of our thoughts as we scurry to keep up with carpool and committee meetings.
“Some of us are living so fast and furiously today that we miss God’s message about tomorrow,” say Bill and Kathy Peel in their book, Discover Your Destiny. Many have never slowed down enough to ask, “What is God’s plan for me? What dreams has He placed deep in my heart?” and “Am I spending my days following His plan?”
One of the biggest dream-busters is the phrase: “I don’t have time right now.” Many of us believe that when our children are grown, the house is remodeled, and all our other projects are complete we will make time for our dreams.
“Often, we convince ourselves that our obsession with our “to do” list is only temporary – that once we get through the list, we’ll be calm, relaxed, and happy. But in reality, this rarely happens. As items are checked off, new ones simply replace them . . .” says Richard Carlson, PH. D, in his book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
The preacher of Ecclesiastes also knew about busyness—he knew it didn’t work. Ecclesiastes 4: 6 says, “Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind” (NIV).
Chasing after the wind is fruitless. So is scurrying through our days trying to complete a to-do list that will never see an end. It’s up to us free ourselves from the crazed dance of busyness and allow time to contemplate God’s gifts and callings.

posted by Tricia Goyer @ 7:48 AM