Slowing down and simplifying are some of my favorite topics. I was thinking about slowing down when my pastor announced that they were giving away these books on the first day of Advent. I knew I had to read it.

I’ll admit I haven’t been a huge Matthew Kelly fan. I remember, years ago, someone suggested that we read one of his books at my homeschool moms group and I expressed my dislike of his books. I don’t remember why. I think I thought he would take the ideas of spiritual classics and make them sound like new ideas. And now I will let you know how really judgy and uncharitable I can be. Some years I would follow along with his Best Lent Ever series, and although I appreciated what he would say, I criticized how he looked. I thought he looked unwell and seemed a little fake. I suspected that he was pretending all was well when it wasn’t. (And how do I know that people do this? Because I’ve done it myself.) Maybe it was a case of being bothered by someone because they exhibit some of the traits that you don’t like in yourself.

Now, after reading Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy, I have a whole new attitude towards him. I think we may be kindred spirits! I have a new respect for his honesty and humility. And clearly, we struggle with the same things. 

The first thing that I underlined in this book:

Do you feel like you are doing enough?

(Pg. 2)

Good question. Most of the time I feel like I’m doing too much. But then why do I keep saying that I wanna catch up, and why do I feel behind? It sounds like I think I should be doing more.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of caring too much about things that don’t matter enough. Those things can be material possessions, but they can also be projects, other people’s opinion, social engagements, and a myriad of things we say yes to without considering the implications.

(Pg. 3)

I used to think that decluttering and organizing my possessions would help me to be less busy, and it may help, but it doesn’t solve the problem entirely. Then, I realized the importance of good habits to maintain order in my home, and for my personal health. Later, I found that reducing my distractions was necessary. Today, I’m thinking that slowing down requires humility and prayer.

Why are you so busy?

(Pg. 6)

My immediate response is fear. That sense of urgency might be a reaction to some sort of anxious feeling. (A trap is a good way to describe it.) The activities keeping me busy seem like a plan to get to peace, when really slowing down is the way to it. Being fully present in the moment and knowing I’m not alone brings me peace. Being aware that I have a loving God taking care of me, and everything else, brings me peace. I just need to let go of what I want, and trust in the One who knows everything, is all powerful, and all good.

I’ll continue to ponder “busy” and “slowing down”and some ideas from this book in future posts.