Yesterday was a special day for me … I got to run several errands for work, and decided to treat myself to a coffee shop coffee. 🙂 I pulled into the drive thru, gave the person my order, drove around to pick it up … and then was suddenly asked a question. But, between the speed it was asked and the muffling effect of the mask, I had NO idea what I had been asked. And my face showed it.
It took having the question repeated three times before I could answer it. Then, when I asked for a receipt, my question went unanswered because they’d already moved on to the next order (at least in their minds). I sat there in my car, waiting to be noticed, when the cashier did a cute but awkward wave goodbye, letting me know I needed to be on my way. So, I asked again. The cashier paused, turned aside, then turned back and said they couldn’t print it out. I asked how much the total was and they couldn’t answer that either.
All this got me to thinking … the cashier was in such a hurry to get to the next customer, that authentic customer service didn’t happen, and it took longer to complete my order than if they’d just slowed down a little. And I could have been upset, but I’ve been there. You know what I’m talking about. A boss has told you to be positive and upbeat, but get through the line of people as quickly as possible. In trying to do all that they had been told during orientation – be positive, ask these questions, be quick, get through the line, don’t make people wait – anxiety takes over, you speed up, but in reality, slow everything down.
This speed of life we try to live at, really just isn’t possible. We look without seeing. We hear without listening. We learn without being able to apply. And so we end up trying to yell over everyone else, wave them out of our lives, or rush through “conversations” so we feel a little less guilty, stressed, and/or anxious.
What if, we actually took the time to put our phones down and look at the people around us and really see them? What if we sat outside and enjoyed nature for a moment? What if we started letting our minds wander and dream again … Then start fulfilling those dreams? What would our lives look like then?
Personally, I think we’d each have a little more peace in our lives. There would be more smiles shared, more good conversations had, and a stronger community built.
Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) God said "Come and drink - even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk - it's all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life." (Isaiah 55:1-3)
These verses help me with my perspective. We have a God who desires to give us rest, the best food and the best drinks. Who doesn’t like a good party?!? I’ll accept His invitation.
What about you? If you could do anything …. how would you spend your time?