Slow me down Lord…..

Rain had caused a less than perfect day as we traveled to view the volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. Our visibility at times was obstructed by fog or heavy rain.

The weather did not hamper our wonderment of the unique beauty of the island, bountiful with ocean views, colorful birds, fragrant flowers, contrasting with the black starkness of the lava rock.

After hours of being hammered, misted and fogged by the moist day we emerged as the sun set, to find an unforgettable sight. Clarity in a clear sky, following a stormy day, caught our wondering eyes by surprise.

There was Mauna Kea in full view as the setting sun caught the detail of it’s snow covered crown, dotted with huge erect telescopes of the star gazing observatory. The breath taking view framed with colors of purple, blues and pink created a visual memory that only God could create.

The sight made the day worth the struggle, to have been able to arrive at this moment to experience the unfolding beauty of setting sunlight, parting clouds and the majestic presences of the mountain.

Focusing on the treasure of that moment gave energy from and connection to our creator, reminding us of His continuous power and provision. Should that connection just be reserved for moments on vacation OR can there be “mini” vacations through out the day as we focus on little treasures that are present in our daily lives. I must slow down and LOOK –

The following is a prayer written by Orin L. Crain in 1957.

Read his prayer slowly. Release the busyness of your thoughts, letting go of all the future and past to focus on the moment.

Slow me down, Lord!
Ease the pounding of my heart
By the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace
With a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me,
Amidst the confusion of my day,
The calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves
With the soothing music of the singing streams
That live in my memory.
Help me to know
The magical restoring power of sleep.
Teach me the art
Of taking minute vacations of slowing down
to look at a flower;
to chat with an old friend or make a new one;
to pat a stray dog;
to watch a spider build a web;
to smile at a child;
or to read a few lines from a good book.
Remind me each day
That the race is not always to the swift;
That there is more to life than increasing its speed.
Let me look upward
Into the branches of the towering oak
And know that it grew great and strong
Because it grew slowly and well.
Slow me down, Lord,
And inspire me to send my roots deep
Into the soil of life’s enduring values
That I may grow toward the stars
Of my greater destiny

God’s desire for us is to be without distress, freely focusing on His gifts, trusting His care.

John 14:27 (AMP)
27 Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.

1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)
7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully

Monumental moments can be missed by the diversion and distraction of stress. Our God, the great I AM is present in this life. LOOK …..