Session #1- The Unhurried Life
Introduction:
When the late Dallas Willard was asked, “How can I make sure I remain spiritually healthy?"
He responded with this profound statement,
"Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life."
It is no secret that life in the 21st century can move at an overwhelming pace. The 24-hour news cycle, the interweaving schedules of practices and appointments, and the constant buzz of our phones keep us in a state of low-grade anxiety and a constant sense of urgency. For all of our time-saving devices and "life-hacks," it is hard to shake the perpetual feeling that we do not have enough time and that we are too distracted to be fully present in the time we do have. Different personalities and lifestyles will experience these feelings to varying degrees. Still, all of us must reckon with how our schedule either helps or hinders our ability to follow Jesus in the modern world.
Of course, following Jesus does not mean we cannot have schedules or that we neglect our obligations. When we look at the life of Jesus, we find the perfect balance of living with purpose and productivity while maintaining the peace and connection with the Father needed to love people well. John Ortberg describes this balance in the life of Jesus as an example for us to follow:
"We must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives. This does not mean we will never be busy. Jesus often had much to do, but he never did it in a way that severed the life-giving connection between him and his Father. He never did it in a way that interfered with his ability to give love when love was called for. He observed a regular practice of withdrawing from activity for the sake of solitude and prayer. Jesus was often busy, but never hurried. Hurry is not just a disordered schedule. Hurry is a disordered heart - John Ortberg, The Life You've Always Wanted
Ortberg goes on to provide several symptoms of what he and others have termed "hurry sickness."
Constantly Speeding Up Daily Activities (Switching checkout lines, Walking Quickly, Angrily Passing the Elderly While Driving)
Multi-Tasking (Checking Email at your Kid's game, Texting while Driving, etc.)
Clutter (Physical and Mental)
Superficiality (Unable to fully experience and enjoy life's daily activities)
An Inability to Love (Love and hurry are fundamentally incompatible. Love always takes time, and time is one thing hurried people don't have.)
Over the next several weeks, we will explore ways to carve out space to give time and attention to our spiritual and emotional health and discuss strategies for intentionally slowing down when everything around us wants us to move faster.
What are your thoughts on the connection between hurry and our spiritual health?
Do you identify with any of the symptoms listed above? Can you give an example from your own life?
Read Luke 4:38-44 and Luke 5:15-16 Together and Discuss
What do you make of these examples of Jesus "withdrawing to lonely places" to pray? Why do you think Luke includes this detail in his account of Jesus' life and ministry?
How does Jesus' regular practice of solitude and rest challenge us?
Read Luke 10:38-42 Together and Discuss
In this story, do you identify as more of a Mary or a Martha? What is the "good portion" that Mary has chosen? What personal obstacles do you face in making space to slow down and be alone with God?
This Week's Practice:
Over the next few weeks, use the following two exercises to help practice an "unhurried life." Take note of the experience and how you respond to them.
Practice #1: Slowing Pick 1-3 unique practices to slow down your life and commit to them for at least a week:
o Drive the Speed Limit/ Get into the Slow Lane/ Full Stop at Stop Signs
o Don't Use Your Phone in your Vehicle
o Walk Slower
o Show up ten minutes early for an appointment or event and wait without your phone
o Cook your own food for a week
o Single-Task (Literally, only do one thing at a time)
o Go a day without wearing a watch
o Chew your food at least ten times before each swallow!
Use any of these ideas or be creative and come up with your own! The point is to find intentional ways to "inconvenience" yourself, so you learn to accept your limits and live more present to God. Pay attention to the difference in your body and soul as the days go by. Keep whatever is helpful.
Practice #2: Solitude - 2-3 times during the week outside of your regular "quiet time."
o Time: First thing in the morning may work best. For others, a better time is when kids are napping, on a lunch break, on your way home from work, or right before bed. Find a way to disrupt the noise of the week with times of solitude. Be flexible and recognize your stage of life.
o Place: Find a place that is as quiet and distraction-free as possible. Turn off or put away anything that buzzes or dings. A local park or nature reserve could be a great place if weather permits.
o What do I do? Basically, whatever will help you develop an awareness of God and enjoy his presence. You could try:
Reading Scripture
Walking a nature trail
Practicing deep breathing
Praying
Or just being silent
Remember: You don't succeed or fail at these practices. The first step is just showing up. Give yourself grace, and don't be quick to dismiss the exercise if you find it difficult. If you feel like "I'm wasting time!" that's probably a great sign you need to keep doing it!