One of the things I love the most about children is their wonderful sense of play and the gift of having an “undivided” mind. One of the definitions of worry is to have a divided mind. We can learn a great deal from simply watching kids play at the beach or park. As adults it’s easy to let that quality of an undistracted mind drift into the clutter of a busy life.
Another trait we have the opportunity to learn from children is their pace. They really aren’t in too much of a hurry. Edward Hallowell, the author of “Crazy Busy” notes the following: “It’s easy to do things faster, not just because we’re busy but because speed is fun. Speed rivets attention. Speed blasts you out of boredom. Nothing is boring if it’s fast enough. But slow is agonizing. So many of us zip through life so fast we’re beyond busy, we’re crazy busy. Yet there is no correlation between a fast life and a happy life”.
Below is a Japanese version of Psalm 23. Such a simple yet profound truth that can inspire and encourage us to walk and live in the peace and rest we are called to.
The Lord is my pace setter…I shall not rush
He makes me stop for quiet intervals
He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity
He leads me in the way of efficiency through calmness of mind and his guidance is peace
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for his presence is here.
His timelessness, his all importance will keep me in balance
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity by anointing my mind with his oils of tranquility
My cup of joyous energy overflows
Truly harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours for I shall walk in the Pace of my Lord and dwell in his house for ever.
