Are you quick to adopt the latest technology? Quick to accept change? Quick to hit the gym or do your daily workout? Quick to let go of resentment?
In many ways I’m a slow mover. The analytic in me likes to thoroughly ruminate before making a move. The zealous thinking can have it’s benefits but it’s also proven to be a shortfall. Too much time thinking yields less time for decisive action.
Yesterday, I came across a passage of scripture in James that stood out to me and this morning I awaken with it in my mind.
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19
I’m not one that does a lot of talking and typically it takes quite a bit to get me to a point of anger. Yet, I was gently reminded that I wasn’t fulfilling this quick, slow, slow method describe in James.
You ever have those times in life when you can see the instant playback of situations in your head? That’s what I had this morning—my own personal movie rewound to a conversation I had.
I heard what the other person was saying but I wasn’t truly listening. I was quickly trying to find the proper way to articulate my point of view. Get them to see it the right way—“my way” mind you.
I allowed my disappointment, my hurt, my need to be right to get me moving in the quick, quick, slow pattern.
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:6
What patterns have you found yourself moving in this week?
To my chagrin, my first reaction to a challenge is usually the exact opposite of James 1:19. I am slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry.
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Lol…that quick, slow, slow pattern is not always very easy to implement.
Well, Wanda, it seems we are on the same track … again. Sometimes in the rush to do, to go or to be, I don’t pay attention (don’t listen) to who and what is around me. The deceptive part of this is that when I rush with the thinking that I am right, I usually end up having to do something over…and over. I’m working on getting “patient endurance” in my everyday life, and it is proving to be difficult. Real difficult.
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Yes, indeed we where. You should have seen me yesterday as I was reading your post. It was like getting a double dose of this lesson.
Sometimes I do rush too much, I tend to forget to enjoy the journey. Thanks for this reminder.
Nutschell
http://www.thewritingnut.com
I can get so absorb that a miss the beauty of the journey as well.
Awesome reminder.
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It’s just like the Word to show us ourselves.
One of my first memory verses that has helped me in so many situations (especially at work!) I tend to jump to conclusions and be a poor listener; I always want things quickly resolved. It is always a work in progress!
Many blessings and love to you this week Wanda!
Denise
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That’s beaut of God’s word that it helps us in our practical day to day living. Wishing you overflowing with love and peace.
Wanda, thanks for stopping by my blog. I can so relate to what you’re posting about today. God is working on my heart and guiding me to slow down too but it doesn’t come easy 🙂
Hi Kim, it’s always my pleasure to come across other great blogs. Hope the rest of your week is a great one.
Something I have to work on constantly Wanda! I find myself talking before the other person even finishes. The Holy Spirit gave me one of those epiphany like yours Wanda, where He replayed how I had done this over and over(unknowingly might I add), but nevertheless, it still doesn’t excuse it! I’m getting better at it though! 🙂 Thanks for the reminder Wanda and thanks for linking up! Have a wonderful weekend!
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Michell, the Holy Spirit is definitely a helper. I find myself trying to formulate a response before the other person has even finished talking. Although it doesn’t feel good all the time, I’m grateful that God loves us enjoy to give us our private review parties to help see areas of growth needed in our lives.