Fast Food Nation

Every so often I have this thought that things are too rushed. We seem to live in an 'instant' world: instant credit, fast food, broadband internet, fast cars and the like. Everything is just getting faster! I think it's also led to a distinct lack of patience, at least in the Western world. One of the things I love, and also get frustrated by (thanks to my Western mindset) about Africa is how chilled it is. Things change, plans are altered, meeting don't quite start on time, whatever. In the business world, this would be called inefficiency, wasted time, and there's an element of truth in that - a lot of us spend so much time on our computers, or watching tv (instant entertainment!), or doing whatever, that we don't do more of the things that really matter, that have real value.

How many of us complain that we have no time to read the Bible, or spend time with friends, yet we either spend loads of time procrastinating, or tied to a desk? I know I do - I think I'm one of the worst at wasting my time. I claim to take certain things seriously, but actually I spend very little of my time doing it. I don't want to make anyone feel guilty here, in fact I want to positively affirm you to do more...but to do more of the things that really matter! In this frantic world we live in, actually it takes a wise person to stop and think, to consider, to ponder, whatever. And an even wiser to make sure they take the time to consider God, who He is, what He's doing, and how we relate to Him. It doesn't require us to 'do' anything, but I think it's an active process for us. It means we allow Him space to be I AM, and we remain open to Him and what He's doing.

This would be seemingly nonsensical for some of us: how can we be inactive and yet be engaged in a process like this? Because we realise that the source of action comes from God, and we respond. There are times to pour out our heart to God, but of equal importance are those times where we just exist, with God, in communion. Sounds crazily hippy, but it takes away from us our desire to be the one in control. I think that those who are so involved in the various 'activities' of this life, barely pausing to consider the point of it all, are actually afraid to relinquish control. I know this is true for me. We can learn that "God is in control", but until we stop, and let go, even when, no especially when things are difficult, or frantic, we will never know this as biblical truth in our own lives. Truth is not effective if it remains an intellectual thing: it only becomes fully functioning when it becomes part of our experience as well.