March 17 – Choosing Rest Over Hurry
Love always moves at a walking pace. If we run, we outrun grace. James Finley
Gregg’s Reflection
For years, my pace of life was set by the demands of business, the expectations of others, and my own relentless inner critic. Rest was something I thought I would “earn” later, after the work was done. The trouble was, the work was never done. Even on vacation, my mind kept racing, planning, and problem-solving. I believed the lie that if I just worked faster, I could finally catch up and rest.
The deeper journey has shown me that rest is not a reward for productivity — it is a spiritual practice, a declaration that God is in control, not me. Rest reminds me that I am a human being, not a human doing. When I intentionally slow down, I notice beauty I used to rush past. I hear God’s whispers I once drowned out in the noise of busyness. Rest is not idleness; it is an active trust in the God who sustains all things without my constant effort.
Now, when I feel the old hurry rising up in me, I try to pause. I take a breath and remember that Jesus was never in a hurry. He walked at the pace of love. Choosing rest is not just about recharging; it’s about living at the speed of God’s kingdom.
The Semi-Circle, one of the 3DM Life Shapes depicts working from rest rather than resting from work.
Scripture
He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:2–3
Ancient Quotes
To rest in God above all goods and gifts is to find the source of true peace. Rest in that which is eternal, and you will be at peace in the midst of all that passes away.
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, Book II, ch. 1
Modern Quotes
Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.
Dallas Willard, quoted in John Ortberg, The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People, p. 76
Love always moves at a walking pace. If we run, we outrun grace.
James Finley, Merton’s Palace of Nowhere, p. 102
Journaling Prompts
- When you feel hurried, what is usually driving you?
- How might God be inviting you to rest as an act of trust?
- What helps you slow down and notice God’s presence in the moment?
- How could you practice “walking at the pace of love” this week?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 11 Reflection: Driven vs Drawn