In Chariots of Fire, Sam the running coach tells his pupil, Harold, to shorten his stride to gain speed. Seems counter-intuitive doesn’t it? But it works.
Life can be counter-intuitive at times. Even someone as old as I needs to remember to “slow down” from time to time. We get anxious, we worry we are running out of time, and we tell ourselves to speed up, when the opposite is true. We need to pause as Sam would say, “get our feet back underneath us.” The great Razorback running back, David Dickey, can explain.
Surprisingly, Sam’s advice applies to our faith as well. We think we need to know more, to pray more, and fill our day with service. Yet, when we fill our spiritual lives with busy work, we forget to “feel his pleasure.” (Another great line from Chariots of Fire.).
Advent is one of those times where stepping back seems impossible, but that’s exactly what we should do. It may seem counter-intutive, but listen to the old coach. He knows what he is talking about.
Dear Webb,
This is excellent…permission to, “get our feet under us” after decades of busy work, career building and networking! Quiet reflection and deeper devotion is the net gain of a contemplative season.
Thank you for your comments. Merry Christmas!