Slowing down??? (Yes!) Published Dec. 3, 2008 By Chaplain (Capt.) Jon Smithley 182nd Airlift Wing PEORIA, Illinois -- Greetings to everyone at the Peoria Air Guard Base. Looking back on this past summer, it was rather hot and humid at times - like any other normal summer. However, there were many storms and weather conditions that left severe flooding and damage throughout the Midwest. Furthermore, at the end of summer, there were several tropical storms and hurricanes that brought about extreme damage and destruction to many of our Gulf Coast states. It was certainly a weather-filled summer that left many of us looking forward to a new season and some much cooler (and hopefully some much calmer weather). Yet, looking back, this past summer just roared by. So has this entire year. Time seldom stands still nor does it wait for anyone - certainly not for us living in busy times and busy days! Indeed, busy lives and busy schedules with hectic and demanding jobs, can leave many of us tired and worn out. Many of us may be struggling to find time for what truly matters in our daily endeavors: our faith life and our family! Psalm 46:10 offers us some wonderful insight and counsel here: God Himself says, "Be still and know that I Am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Sometimes to get ahead in life, we have to slow down. I know this is contrary to our human nature and the ways of this world, but it's true - sometimes we need to slow down! When the world says, "work more to make more - at all costs," "do what you have to, regardless of who it hurts and harms," it's helpful to remember what the LORD God says in Isaiah 55:8-9 ----- "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. God has a different way of doing things - and it's certainly not "Business as Usual!" Yes, it's important for us to work hard in life and to do well in our vocation. It's also important for us to take care of our families and ourselves. Just as we need to be "fit to fight," we should also strive to "be well to serve well." To be well is all inclusive - it's physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. To be well also implies that we rest and slow down at times. It means to wait upon the LORD our God. When it comes to slowing down, we need to remember that God has no problem "waiting and being still" - we are the ones!!!! Thus, may the LORD our God, give us His patience and wisdom. May God Almighty renew our strength as we wait upon the LORD. (see Isaiah 40:31) In faith, let us slow down and make time to "be still" before the LORD that we may also enjoy life with our family and loved ones here on earth. Happy Thanksgiving to you all and your families. Blessings for safe travel and Godspeed!