We talked about the power of intentional rest the other day, and how it may help us free our minds and find peace. Today, I want to give you a second challenge for the new year, one that I feel will significantly improve your quality of life — don’t hurry!

You’ve undoubtedly heard me say it before, but you must “ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life,” as Dallas Willard, one of my religious heroes, puts it. Slowing down my pace has improved my quality of life and my capacity to be an effective Jesus follower significantly. Let’s face it: you can’t be in a hurry and be nice to others at the same time; it’s impossible; you must choose. When Dallas was conversing with one of my friends, he asked, “If you had one word for Jesus, what would it be?” My friend racked his brain and identified a number of great attributes of the Lord, but he couldn’t seem to come up with just one word to describe Him, so he asked Dallas for his one word for Jesus. Dallas stated without doubt or delay that Jesus was at ease. I don’t know about you, but it isn’t the first term that comes to mind when I think of how to describe Jesus. Nonetheless, it’s an intriguing way to consider our Lord’s earthly ministry. He was never rushed while He walked or talked; he was patient with others, and He didn’t let the demands on His time prevent Him from carrying out His mission with love and passion. I wish you the same good fortune in the coming year!

Friend, no one is more effective than a centered and unhurried man or woman; they exude authority and power that comes from merely being relaxed. A hectic schedule will not make you important, but it may make you clumsy. This year, resolve to be the master of your time and to walk in calm and easy rhythms of grace every day. When you do, God will work in and through you in a powerful and far-reaching way! He wants to bring His Kingdom to earth via you, and that’s an amazing thought!