Yesterday we talked about intentional rest and its power to help us set our minds free and find peace. Today, I want to share with you a second challenge for the new year — one that I believe will greatly improve your quality of life — don’t hurry!

You’ve probably heard me say this before because it’s from Dallas Willard who is one of my heroes in the faith, but you must “ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” I have found that slowing down my pace has greatly increased the joy of my existence and my ability to be an effective Jesus-follower. Let’s face it, you can’t be in a hurry and be kind to people at the same time; it’s impossible — you have to choose. I recall a time when Dallas himself was talking with a friend of mine and he asked my friend, “If you had one word for Jesus, what would it be?” My friend racked his brain and listed off a number of positive virtues of the Lord, but he couldn’t seem to find just one to sum Him up, so he turned the tables and asked Dallas what his one word for Jesus would be. Without hesitation or delay, Dallas responded that Jesus was relaxed. I don’t know about you, but of the many attributes I might use to describe Jesus, that one doesn’t come immediately to mind. Nevertheless, it’s an interesting way to think about His ministry on earth. As He walked and talked, He was never in a hurry — He was patient with people and He didn’t allow the demands on His time to keep Him from carrying out His ministry with love and passion. I hope the same will be true for you this year!

Friend, there is no one more effective than the man or woman who is centered and unhurried; they carry with them an authority and power that comes from simply being relaxed. A busy schedule will never make you important, but it might make you clumsy, so this year, vow to be the master of your time and to walk every day in restful and easy rhythms of grace. When you do, God will carry out His work in and through your life in powerful and hugely impactful ways. He wants to bring His Kingdom to the world through you, so take His easy yoke on you and learn from Him — He is the best teacher!