How the Holy Spirit Emailed Me Today

So I'm sitting in my little room at Mt. Angel Shalom Center. (Check in lady: "You might be the only here tonight, is that a problem?" Me: "THAT IS NOT A PROBLEM!!" I think my inner introvert has been a little ignored lately.)

Anyway, I'm here on a (planned) study retreat and also (unexpectedly) recuperation from pneumonia. Checking in for my once-a-day email check. And found these things in my box:

David Lose is taking a blog sabbatical.

Barbara Crafton reminds us to take it one step at time.

Martin Copenhaver is considering the lilies.

Dad suggests hugging a bear. Teddy, that is.

Jen Violi is encouraging us to stretch time (reprinted in full below because it's so good).

So many of us regularly declare ourselves rushed or in a hurry or pressed for time. Living like that can make us feel claustrophobic, frustrated, constricted. This week, why not let your time be bendy instead? Here are four ideas to do just that:

1. Start by shifting the way you talk. Instead of saying, "I only have xx minutes," try saying "I've got xx whole minutes!" or even simply, "I've got plenty of time to do this."

2. Wherever you are, let yourself really be there without distraction. If it's hard to do that, see what tools you could put in place to help you relax. Would setting a timer give you some freedom from checking your watch or your phone?

3. Walk slowly to your car, to your house, to whatever's next. Let yourself enjoy the walk. Let the walk be its own gift.

4. Experiment with how much you can get done in an hour or five minutes. Celebrate how you use your precious time!

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Ok, ok, ok. I get it. I'm paying attention, now. Thank you, Holy Spirit.