Dear Ms. Mabel 

What’s the secret to staying kind in a world that feels loud and rushed?

Harried in Hendersonville

Truth be told, I often sit and ponder…where in the world are y’all rushing around to get to? 

Oh, I get it, you got places to be, people to see, and things to do.  

Y’all gotta get them kids to this, that, and the other. Get to work on time. Make hay while the sun is shining, so to speak. But let me ask you this: Are you actually enjoying ANY of it? 

Do you ever just STOP for a second and think about what you’re striving for? 

The world is loud and rushed because you make it that way. Most of us can’t sit at home and smell roses all day, but we can make a point to stop and smell them every once in a while. That’s a choice you gotta make, it won’t just happen to you. 

One of my boys had absolutely zero “hurry up” in him. It drove me crazy, but every time I got a glimpse of the world through his eyes, I was amazed. He never missed gazing at a beautiful sunset or kneeling down to pet every dog he saw. Music wasn’t just noise to him; he took the time to really listen. Most importantly, he was the first to notice when someone else was sad because he wasn’t so wrapped up in his own to-dos. 

He lived in the moment. 

That's the secret, Darlin’. Be in the moment. Don’t worry about what’s coming. That’s in the Lord’s hands anyway. 

I’m not saying throw your schedule out the window and go live in the woods like a hermit or something. Just be present and on purpose. In the car, REALLY look around you. Don’t let your mind wander to your never-ending list. 

When you are with someone, study their face, listen to their words, ask them questions and then really care about what they are about to say. See delays as divine interventions, not inconveniences. And see lost opportunities as part of God’s plan. 

Stay curious about what’s going on around you as often as you can, Darlin’.

You’ll get that peace that surpasses all understanding. 

I love you. I’ll be praying for you.