Doing More - Living Less

God speaks to me - or places thoughts in my mind - in the most interesting ways. It fascinates me that the Creator of all, this God of majesty and awe speaks to me in the most ordinary ways... and in the routine places within my day.

Riding the train to work. Walking by myself. Washing the dishes. Reading to my kids. Holding my baby.

Recently God has been speaking to me about the pace at which we move through life. Those of you who know me may find that odd because as you know, I enjoy the unhurried life. In fact two "friends" claim to have seen me walking home from the train at an unusually slow pace (I still believe that was an illusion caused by them driving by me at excessive speeds). Maybe it isn't so much the speed at which we live our lives, but rather the inability to be fully present in the moment. Or the ability to take the time to engage in observing what is happening around us.

Being a product of the United States, we are taught the value of multi-tasking. We are told the way to success is getting more things done in less time by partially engaging in multiple activities at the same time. But I am starting to wonder about that. I mean, if multi-tasking results in freeing up more time for us to be with those we love, or things we love... then I can see the value.

But what if multi-tasking breeds the need to do more, and to be fully present less? What if it allows us to get more done, but results in us living life less?

What are you really accomplishing when...
You completed your to do list but didn't have time to answer your child's question?
You buy your dream house, but your extra hours at the office allow little time to enjoy it?
You are so focused on ______ that you miss _______

We could go on and on.

I am afraid that all too often I neglect the relationships I most need... all so I can earn a few more dollars, run a few more errands, and complete my list of menial tasks.

Maybe being the most productive society doesn't always mean being the best.