I stepped outside for a breath of fresh air and there he was.

A turtle, slowly making his way across my driveway one deliberate step at a time.

He paused as I drew near and crouched down to look closely at him.

I stared at him wondering what a day in the life of a turtle must look like when God, as He so often does, quickly turned my momentary musing into some personal, practical application.

Turtles are well-known for their slow pace, aren’t they? They are unhurried creatures who embody intentionality.

Each step is unrushed and purposeful.

Something I desperately need to be reminded of every day.

We live in a world that is chronically exhausted from running at breakneck speed. Energy drinks are popular thirst-quenchers as people everywhere are overextended, overworked, and overstressed.

It can feel very counterintuitive to live life in the slow lane.

Yet, it’s exactly what Jesus did.

He took one step at a time. Every step, purposeful and unhurried.

He wasn’t rushed, even when a report reached Him that one of His friends had died (John 11:6).

He wasn’t frantic, even when others around Him were (Mark 5:21 – 43).

Jesus was fully present. Living in the moment, serving those around Him, and seeing people where they were.

Reflecting on His example makes me wonder…

How many times have I missed “being fully present” for someone because I was so busy getting through my day?

How many people have I overlooked because my schedule was so much more important to me?

How many life-giving conversations have I sidestepped because I wasn’t willing to slow down?

These are questions that convict me even now as I write them.

“Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway?” (Jeremiah 2:25, The Message)

Father, help me slow down and make every step count! Just like Jesus…and the turtle.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!