Several years ago, I was asked to do a children's sermon at a church I was on staff at. I decided to speak on the topic "Following the rules." I showed the kids a picture of a traffic light and asked them to tell me "What does the green light mean? What does the red light mean?" When I asked, "What does the yellow light mean, one kid yelled out "It means speed up!" Of course, the congregation erupted into laughter like I did. "Out of the mouths of babes" as they say. Apparently that little guy observed his mom or dad driving fast when the light was yellow which is something we all do as drivers...speed up! We all know that when the light is yellow, we are supposed to slow down. Let's be honest...we don't! We are supposed to proceed with caution. That is why the police sit by traffic lights and give out tickets!
God has been working on my heart! If you know me, you know I am a "doer." I once told a chiropractor my work schedule and he said to me "Well the grass certainly does not grow under your feet, sir!" I was raised to be a hard worker and to give 100% in everything I do. Whether it's working at Chick Fil-A, doing ministry, doing yard work or even writing this blog I always want to give it my all. But to go back to what I wrote at the beginning of this paragraph, God has been working on my heart. He has been telling me to slow down. In my creative mind and my drive to give it my all, I realize I need to slow down. I am the type of guy who wants so much to accomplish a lot! But I also realize that I am 61 years old not 31 or 21. Slowing down is a good thing. I have been saying that a lot lately. Even at my job, coworkers tell me I talk too fast. I tell them, "I know I do! I'm from New York!"
Moving to South Carolina has been amazing. I did expect everyone here to be slow, but I am discovering that is not true. There are your select few people who order their food so slow you wonder if they drive 35 MPH in a 55 MPH speed zone. They certainly order food like they are going 25 MPH! But you do have many who are always in a hurry especially on the road. Speaking of driving, many here drive fast just like in New York and will tailgate you if you drive slowly. South Carolina is a slower pace, and I really like that. It has been a nice reminder for me to slow down my pace and not try to be a "hero" or "That guy who does it all." I will admit while I was a children's pastor in New York, I knocked on the door of burnout several times. As a 61-year-old man I realize it is time for me to slow down! Life is too short and it's time to enjoy every second of it. With all that said, I hope you all have a great day and enjoy the summer weather coming your way! God bless you all!
