When I studied abroad in Italy, my writing teacher taught us the common phrase vita lenta, which translates to “a slow life.” Many locals adopted this lifestyle, emphasizing being present, unhurried and finding joy in life’s quiet moments.

Returning to the United States, I always kept this phrase close to me. In our fast-paced and impatient culture, I found it easier to miss all of the beautiful things happening around me and, in turn, miss God.

Jesus had just sent out the twelve apostles to preach and heal, and they returned, eager to report on their experiences. However, there was so much activity — crowds coming and going — that they were overwhelmed and had no time to rest or eat.

Here, Jesus demonstrates that resting isn't a luxury but a necessary part of living well. Even Jesus, who had an incredibly demanding ministry, made time to slow down. We, too, are called to live unhurried.

When we do so, we may produce the following God-given fruit:¹

• Keeping closer company with Jesus
• Freedom
• Patience
• Living life to the fullest
• Trusting God’s timing
• Resting in the presence of God
• Receiving interruptions graciously
• Realizing the work of the Spirit is not an “instant” work
• Delighting in beautiful things

By embracing a slower pace, we align ourselves with God's rhythm, allowing His presence to shape our lives more fully and enabling us to experience an abundant life.

Author Adele Calhoun says it is likely that the faster we go, the less we become.¹ Meaning, that if we are constantly rushing and filling our every moment with to-dos, we aren’t allowing time and space for the Holy Spirit to work in us. When we practice slowing down, we better exercise the way of Jesus. Here are some spiritual practices to get started:¹

• Driving in the slow lane
• Speaking more slowly
• Listening more closely
• Resting
• Chewing more slowly
• Sitting longer at the table
• Planning buffer time between activities
• Enter prayer in a leisurely manner
• Pausing and breathing throughout a busy day

When we put these into practice, we may begin to understand how love and hurry are fundamentally incompatible.² Hurry threatens our spiritual journey. We simply cannot be people marked by Christ’s love if we don’t take a moment to listen to our friend who’s struggling, be in nature and collect our thoughts or sit with Jesus and listen for his voice. Practicing slowing down is practicing loving God, people and the world around us better.

If you desire to learn more about what God says about resting, consider exploring Grand Canyon University’s College of Theology or attending Spiritual Formation workshops.