A couple of years ago, I read a book by Mark John Comer about slowing down and removing hurry from life. Much easier said than done but a great reminder for me about the importance of now. Last week, I saw a 5-day devotional about the book and thought it would be a good refresher for me. Day 2 of the devotional was excellent but especially excellent for parents and teachers. He talked about the speed of love. Love is slow. We walk with God not run with God. Love is patient. Am I patient? Am I patient enough to still exhibit love instead of irritation when my patience is running thin? The challenge the devotional presented was to embrace interruptions, to live slow enough to be present for the interrupter and not rush on in a way that dismisses a person. School is the ultimate home of interruptions and interrupters, so this is a big challenge for me. Can I slow down enough for love to be my response? I’ve been a little prickly this week, so I know why this devotional caught my eye. God had a message for me. I need to “unprickle” myself and embrace the moment and the interruption.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 NIV