I remember as a child how difficult it was to accept the moral of the story of the tortoise and the hare. Having the words, “slow and steady” in the same sentence as the word “race”, makes no sense to a child. But as a wiser adult, who has subdued a strong competitive drive, it makes perfect sense.
Authentic personal and spiritual growth is not a race, but a leaning into intentional rhythms of stillness and thoughtful response.
Embracing a gentle start to this new year, I continue in awe of God’s ways of making all things new. As the new year dawned, I pondered God’s promise to me in Isaiah 43, sitting with the word “new”.
But God also impressed the need for a slow and steady pace in the coming year. Wrestling with the fuller concepts of both, the fog is lifting, and I see the beauty of connection between embracing the new, but with a slower, intentional pace.
Choosing a slower start to my year rather than bolting out of the starting block with a dozen changes in my sights, I cultivate awareness.

The moment we choose hurry over intentionality we sacrifice awareness. Without awareness our days become little more than moving scenery outside a car window as we race from place to place. Then we wonder why all of our days seem a blur of monotony. They become indistinguishable one from another because of our hurried pace.
But when we slow down, embracing a gentle rhythm, we begin to see with new eyes.
We see God’s new mercies each day, redeeming yesterday’s missteps, we see the new things God creates in our lives as He guides today’s steps toward tomorrow’s new paths through hard places.
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
Leaving blessings as handfuls of purpose for us to gather all across our days, God invites us to slow down and reap His goodness. Most times these treasures are the simple pleasures which offer us glimpses of Him.
When I maintain an attitude of curiosity and awareness while watering my plants, I notice the almost imperceptible way they move with the sun seeking light and warmth.

This reminds me of God’s invitation to draw near to Him for light in dark places or indecision as well as the warmth of His comfort amid struggles.
When I choose a thoughtful pace as I prepare a meal, the delight of textures and aromas engage all of my senses, reminding me of God’s invitation to taste and see His goodness.
But racing to some expected outcome, makes the events of my days little more than a means to an end, and I miss the sweet interactions with God.
Yes, the tortoise knew a thing or two about finishing a race. I wager he knew a thing or two about life too.
A slow and steady pace in life allows us space for cultivating the art of being rather than doing. It offers us the opportunity to encounter not only the new things God is doing, but the opportunity to engage with Him in new ways.
This new year, instead of seeing how fast we can get to work on desired changes, perhaps following in the tortoise’s steps will open a whole new world to us.
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I’m thankful that slow and steady can still win the race since that’s often the pace I go. 🙂 Jeff and I are finishing up writing 52 stories each from our lives for the Storyworth gift that our youngest daughter gave us last year. Each story prompt came once a week, so we were able to pace ourselves. Otherwise, we never would have started it at all because 52 stories sounds so overwhelming. Hope you’re doing well, friend!
Lisa! Isn’t life so much less anxiety ridden when we choose a slower pace? After all a slower pace is still moving forward, and maybe it’s moving forward in a more realistic way. The Storyworth gift sound fabulous, and a big congratulations to you and Jeff for your slow and steady progress towards something truly beautiful and lasting!
Donna, this is such a wonderful post. It is amazing how in slowing down, we not only see things we would have missed but we also hear things we would have otherwise not heard. The other night, I heard a sound outside I couldn’t identify. Only when I muted the TV did I realize it was an owl. My eyes are fixed on the woods out back as now I long to see. May we cultivate awareness of God’s Presence and activity so that we encounter Him each day in new ways. Beautiful post, my friend!
Joanne, wow! an owl!!! Isn’t it amazing what we find when we are not too busy and disconnected? God has so much beauty for us if we are willing to slow down!
Donna, it does take intentionality to “cultivate the art of being rather than doing” in this season.
Lisa without intentionality we tend more towards accomplishment thinking and miss the benefit of a contemplative mindset of being as we listen for His voice.