Slowing Down to Run Well

Senior Pastor Steve Thulson

I once heard a Chinese proverb: 

When you walk, walk. 
          When you sit, sit. 
                    Whatever you do, do not wobble.

I suppose it means to do what you do clearly, intently and fully: whether it’s diving into work or pulling back into play.

I have a way of “wobbling.” My multitasking can end up fragmenting me more than fulfilling some focused purpose.  My breaks can land me in escapes like TV that barely cover-up a restless stewing about the tasks that didn’t get done. There’s neither fruitful labor nor peaceful rest. I could blame our driven, busy and hurried culture; except that culture is in me as much as I in it.

Yet all the more, I am in Christ. And he is in me.

I hear the still but strong voice of Jesus say “Come to me and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:29). He gives a deep rest even as we also take up his “yoke” of actively working with him, and take up our “crosses” of sharing in his suffering that’s redemptive. He leads us into work and rest that’s not “wobbling.” As we hear the Apostle Paul say: “Whatever you do… do it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Colossians 3:17). That’s a way of saying “Do all you do in the presence of Jesus – with him, not just for him, much less apart from him.

Part of our church family’s focus this Fall and beyond is slowing down to run well. That’s not about being slow because you don’t run well – even if that’s the literal case for some us now! It’s growing into a freedom to let God run the universe and find peace in the place you get within that – no more, no less. It’s finding a pace – sometimes moving fast, sometimes being absolutely still – that’s “in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). In the words of Eugene Peterson paraphrasing Jesus, it’s learning  “the unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:30 in The Message).  

By his grace, that’s the “run” Jesus has me on. How about you?

Summer Witness

I am hiking the Twin Sisters Trail.  After a long series of switchbacks, nestled in a pine forest with NO view at all, I break out at the top.  What lies before me is spectacular Longs Peak only a short distance away.

I am sitting in a family room with a dying friend.  Everyone knows all too well that this may be the last conversation we will have this side of the resurrection.

I am sitting on the living room floor, surrounded by a chaotic tangle of toys and puzzle pieces.  Suddenly I am tackled by a chattering, somewhat wobbly one year old and we fall down together in a joyous heap.

I am driving with my nine year old grandson discussing various wars he has become aware of and quite interested in.  On his own, he suddenly refers to Gideon’s battle with the Midianites and how God fought for the Israelites and gave them a supernatural victory.

I have just witnessed an amazing sunset on the drive to visit a disabled friend who has not seen a sunset in years.  Her apartment has no western exposure and she only gets out to go to the doctor during the day.  I sit with her and prayerfully listen as she describes hours of relentless pain and feeling let down by the Medicare system.

I sit on the shore of Lake Galilee with my best friend and a life partner (same person) taking communion.

What do all the above have in common?   

Jesus, himself, is present.  Not only is he present, but engaged and drawing me to himself to know him as the author of creation, beauty and love; and the companion and comforter during dark nights on my life’s journey.

This summer, remember the “with-ness” of Jesus wherever you are!