Written by: Susan Choi
Editor’s Foreword: Busyness is a symbol of people’s lives nowadays. It seems life has no value at all or is not efficient if it is not busy. Yet people are not aware that many of the important relationships get disconnected in this busy world. “Heart to Heart” is Presence’s theme of this year. The author of this article reminds us to slow down our footsteps, so that we will not forget about connecting with God and connecting with our hearts. By doing so, we will be able to hear our inner voice, our Heavenly Father’s voice, and the voices of our surroundings.
Hustle-and-bustle is the norm of this generation; everyone is always in a hurry. We are always in a rush, busy to satisfy our wants. Our eyes become blurry, our ears become dull, and we just miss what’s going on around us. We don’t bother to pay attention to nature and the change in seasons. We have been trained since we were young to move fast and to win at the starting point; we were told success meant reaching your goals ahead of others. When we are so busy to find our place among others, we never have a chance to connect with them.
No matter what, you can surely take a break from all these – slow down and connect with your soul.
Please gently examine what has happened to your heart that was once simple and pure. Is what remains in your body nothing more than exhaustiveness, a heart so tired that nothing other than yourself concerns you? Are you just unmotivated to spend time with or care for others?
Indeed, our feelings may have been dulled over time. We may have become indifferent because so many things have happened in our lives. However, please keep in mind that we still have the seal of the Holy Spirit, who can help us listen to our hearts, enjoy every detail in our lives, mourn with those who mourn, and rejoice with those who rejoice. We can still feel the joy of seeing a blooming flower and feel the sadness of someone’s passing.
Today is the day to slow down and listen to your heart. Our moods may have ups and downs and we may feel emotional, but don’t be afraid and think that you have a problem. It’s important to realize it, accept it, and know that there are no good or bad emotions because they are all our true feelings. We must first identify our emotions, so that we can understand and deal with them. We can take charge of our negative emotions, rather than being bound by them.
There are areas that we can’t process in a haste, like: What makes me so busy? Does the pace in my life get out of control? How much time has passed since the last time I connected with my soul? Why am I angry or sad? Why do I feel defeated? It’s time to slow down, calm your heart, be still before the Lord, and softly pour out your concerns in prayer. Your world will gradually open up and you will start to hear your heart, our heavenly Father’s voice, and the people around us.
At this very moment, what do you hear? Please tell our Heavenly Father.
(Author retains copyright and grants Presence and Presence Hong Kong the right to publish.)
Presence Hong Kong Limited is a non-profit organization that has supported Christian and family values since 2012. We aim to raise up a new generation for the cultural mission — equip individuals and families to bridge the cultural and generational gaps and to live a unique life with wisdom.
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We hope to encourage fellow Christians to grow together in love with God through meditating on God’s Word and learning by heart in any creative ways, and also to build one another up with His Word, fostering connection within a community.
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