Confessions Of A Speed Eater
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and
night, so that you may be careful to do everything in it. Then you will be
prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
Life is moving at warp speed. From microwave zapping to power napping,
we are trying to get things done faster and faster.
During my college years, I was hired at IBM in downtown Los
Angeles to work at the Customer Service Branch while
pursuing my Bible College Degree.
However, my start time allowed exactly 30 minutes between the time my
final class ended each day (12:00 noon) to the time I had to be at my 15th
floor post in Crocker
Towers at 12:30 p.m.
While Evelyn Wood’s became famous for something known as “Speed Reading Courses,”
I could have just as easily done a seminar and Masters course on “Speed Eating.”
From class closing each day, I darted to the school dining
hall, tossed the menu onto my tray, gobbled down my meal, ran to the car, and
sped to the parking structure for a narrow but efficient arrival. Speed Eating Indeed! Doing this for 2 straight years rendered a “PhD
in munch-ology.” Sparks were flying off my
table utensils and transmission.
However, long after I fulfilled my assignment for International Business Machines, I
found that old habits “die hard.” I
would sit down with friends at a leisurely meal while consuming my portion
within a couple minutes while they were just getting started. People began to wonder if I was somehow being
deprived. Over time (and a little
pacing), I began to recognize how a rushed season of life had brought on an
unnecessary rush in another. I had lost
my ability to enjoy the experience or as some refer to it, “Carpe Diem” (Latin for
“Cease the Day”) exchanging it with simply accomplishing a task.
Life will do that to you. Thankfully, I have made great
strides, though my wife is still praying for me.
As we read the Word this year, we might learn a lesson from
yours truly, the “Lightning McQueen of the Food Scene.” Take time to enjoy the meal God has given us
from His Word today. The word “meditate”
brings the idea of the cow that chews the cud (bringing it up and down). While
we are tempted to become “Speed Readers,” it is far better to savor and relish
His life giving message. Let Him remind
you of a few things along the road that come straight from His LIPS to your ears:
1)
His “L-ove” He will speak through His Spirit
2)
His “I-dentity” that comes when you conform
to Him
3)
His “P-lan” for you that will lead you to abundant
life
4)
His “S-trength” that is new every morning
Take time to slow down.
He will certainly fill you up.
Pastor Terry
Consider reading God's Word today, click on image below for daily devotional:
Copyright 2014 - Terry Risser
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