I am sure you are familiar with the story about the Tortoise and the Hare. I recently watched a turtle cross a busy road, and this came to mind.
“Turtles do not rush or panic. They don’t care who is ahead. They just keep moving, taking one stroke at a time, through calm and chaos. They always reach the shore. Because speed doesn’t define progress; patience does. You don’t have to sprint. Just keep going. Slow progress is still progress, and peace will always outlast pressure.”
I don’t know about you, but my October plate is full, and I sometimes feel overwhelmed. This quote reminds me to slow down, put first things first, and know that all will be well. We tend to compare ourselves to others, thinking they are far ahead of us — better than us. Sound familiar? But, we are not alone on this journey. God loves us right where we are and as we are in this moment. “Slow and steady wins the race, even at a turtle’s pace.”
Sometimes I forget that it is not I, but We; God is on the journey with me. Anything I accomplish is because of God’s grace. Are you able to face pressure days? Do you measure yourself up against people? Do you sometimes want to give up. STOP and take a breath; you can do all things in God who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13)
The Fall season offers us so much beauty, God’s masterpiece of color. Do you stop your daily tasks to recognize the beauty? For me, there is a tree that I pass on the way to church, and I literally say it out loud no matter who is with me, "That’s one of my favorite trees; I need to get a picture of it." Let’s pray I stop talking about it and get the picture. At a turtle’s pace, we can notice lots of wonderful things around us. The turtle is determined to get to the other side; nothing or no one will stop it.
What about you, are you determined to live in the fullness of God’s grace? It’s right there for you; pause and remember that God is with you, come rain or shine. This week, when pressure starts to build, take a breath and experience the goodness that surrounds you. Breathe deeply and know that your strength comes from a place within.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita Donach, CSFN
