Life in the Fast Lane

Recently, I took a trip to Bloomington with a friend and the kids. We were running late, as is usually the case for either my friend or I, so we drove alot of the way in the fast lane, staying as close to the speed limit as possible, but allowing the speedometer to inch up there a little bit here and there as well. We were, running late, ya know...We made it just in time. On our return trip, we were again, running late for a different meeting back in Frankfort that Matt and I had. We repeated the same process of pushing the speed limit a little while driving as much as possible in the fast lane, trying to make it back on time. We made it back with about 15 minutes to spare.



Often, I drive a little bit faster than the limit, because I am often running late. It drives me nuts to be late, because I often try to compensate by hurrying everyone around and then, naturally one or most of us end up grumpy once we arrive wherever it is we are going...



Well, what is the point here, Brooke?



Our youngest child is turning three on Saturday and I look at her and the young person she has become and I think "Where has the time gone?" We have hurried through life and now our youngest is not a baby anymore.



For most of the past year, God has been in a constant effort to get Matt and I to SLOW down our lives and focus on Him. In an effort to do that we have changed alot in our lives while trying to be obedient to what He has asked us to do. Sometimes, the changes have looked crazy to the world, yet they seem so natural to us because we have heard the voice of the Lord speaking to us.



Obviously the biggest change is what we are about to do. In 19 days, we fly to Costa Rica with about 500 lbs of possessions to begin the life God has called us to. How excited we are to be on this adventure! We are excited to begin life in the RELAXED Costa Rican culture! However, the fast lane still exists on the roadways on CR!



The months leading up to this point have been pretty hectic at times. And these last few days will be filled with happy times with family and friends. But, mostly we have learned that we are only on this life for a brief time and that amount of time is unknown to all but our Father in heaven. So, we've decided to take it SLOW! Even if that means driving in the SLOW lane. It is really easy for me to say this, because the world does not live like this. It is a struggle for us even now. But it is our goal. We desperately want to preserve the precious moments we have with our children. We strongly desire to stop and bask in the beautiful Creation the Lord has given us every chance we get. So, sometimes that means we all run outside and play in the rain or jump in the puddles. Sometimes, it means getty messy with ice cream or popscicles on the front porch. Spraying each other with the hose while watering the flowers, taking a walk or a bike ride- making sure to pick up special rocks on the way, or just having a good old pillow fight!



Take time to love each other today. Switch to the slow lane and take a good look at what you miss trying to gain those extra few minutes while driving in the fast lane.

Please pray for us as we prepare to move on August 7th. Please pray that we constantly keep our focus on the author and perfector of our faith, Jesus Christ.



Serving our King,

Brooke :)