Go Slow to Go Fast
I am currently in a season of what I have coined “early retirement,” spanning from my graduation a couple of weeks ago until I begin my job in August. I get to spend the summer in California with my family, bopping around to visit friends in every corner of the state, spending a lot of time outside, and generally enjoying the strange and magical feeling of having absolutely nothing to do and nowhere to be. Anytime something gets added to my calendar, I loudly announce the addition to my family, and I tease friends about my “busy schedule” when they ask if I’m free. Earlier this week I tweaked my shoulder during a golf lesson, so you could say I’m taking this break pretty seriously.
But in the midst of doing “nothing,” I’m acutely aware of God doing “something.” It’s the first time I’ve really given Him any free time in years, and He’s really diving in. For starters, I can get to mass early and stay as long as I want. I can pop into the local adoration chapel after lunch. I can go for long walks and pray the rosary as many times as I want in the day. The freedom is liberating because it’s given me the chance to really spend time with the Lord, without the distractions of all the sirens and events, and noise that I’ve grown so used to during my time in busy cities. I’m in suburbia, and the closest Peet’s coffee is a 2 mile walk away, so I’ve got lots of time on my feet.
However, I’m also aware that unless I come into a large fortune in the next couple of months, this lifestyle is not sustainable. Soon, I’ll be back in the working world, juggling the demands of life and socializing and faith and necessary rest in the midst of a bustling schedule. I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to protect these places in my life that give me so much joy when my schedule fills up again. And what I’ve come to realize is that any moment we can spend with the Lord – intentional, focused, and joyful – is a moment He can use. He finds as much joy in my hour of adoration at 2 pm on a Monday as He does in a prayer offered before a stressful meeting, offering it up to Him. He delights in my slow rosaries just as much as He delights in a hurried Hail Mary in the car on the way to work. Everything we give Him, He receives. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He understands what we have to give in each season.
I don’t know what season you’re in right now (if you’re also in early retirement, give me a call because I’m on track to set a record for phone minutes used this month), but I do know that God is in it with you and He wants to talk to you. He wants to hear what’s going on in your heart. He loves you. Today, take a moment to offer Him a prayer – of gratitude, of petition, of presence – and allow Him to enter into the middle of wherever you are right now. Sometimes, we’ve got to go slow to go fast.
And if you have intentions, send them my way!! I’ve got an abundance of prayers coming your way, and plenty of time to pray them 🙂
In Christ,
Jane
What we’re loving lately:
Back on my Arthur Brooks Train!
- I’m such a huge Arthur Brooks fan, and love his writing on happiness, success, work, and joy. Two of my favorite recent articles are on how crying is the quintessentially divine experience and the importance of practicing enthusiasm. It’s worth the 30-day free trial to binge his articles!!
Book of the Week: Crying in H-Mart
- I am behind on this book but it’s been highly recommended for about a year and I’m so happy to finally be reading it! It’s a beautiful memoir about a Korean-American musician who moves home to help her mother go through cancer treatments while reminiscing on her childhood. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve contemplated the meaning of life – it’s a worthwhile read!
Guardians of the Galaxy Movie
- I think that Marvel movies get more Catholic every time (do not get me started on the messages of spiritual warfare in Shang Chi!!) but this one takes it to a new level. It’s a movie about the sanctity of life, the value of redemption, the beauty of friendship, and the necessity of a God who is loving and generous. I highly recommend it!!
Prayer Requests
- Prayers for all of you!!
- Prayers for a special intention
More Like This
Is It Time To Swap Bikes?
On Sunday morning, my friends and ran the Cherry Blossom ten-miler (last race of the spring, I promise!). At the crack of dawn, we went out to find electric Lime bikes to ride down to the start line. As soon as the three of us rented the bikes and started riding, it...
This Is The Day
Happy Easter friends!! We have made it through the Lenten season, into a time of great celebration, joy, and feasting. I hope you had a blessed Easter Sunday with the people you love! A common refrain in this Easter season is Psalm 118:24: This is the day the Lord...
God’s Will is Where We Are
Can you believe it's Holy Week? This is my favorite week of the year to be a Catholic. Gorgeous masses, rich traditions, and so much incense! And of course, it all leads to the celebration of Easter. We're so close! I wrote before how this has been the Lent of...
Jane was born in Australia, raised in California, and is overjoyed to now call NYC home. She graduated from UCSB with degrees in Political Science and Communication and spent the past two years working in criminal justice reform. She is currently an MBA student at NYU Stern, focusing on entrepreneurship and strategy.