ONE THING AT A TIME

by Joni Eareckson Tada

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31

One early spring day I went to visit Corrie ten Boom, the survivor of the Nazi holocaust who shared her story in The Hiding Place.. In her latter years, she lived in Southern California. My friends and I were able to help Pam, her companion, learn basic things about Corrie's disability and her wheelchair. After our short training session, we sat in Corrie's backyard, admiring her early spring flowers, and enjoying the warm sun on our backs.

The day was filled with activity, yet relaxed and slow paced. After we enjoyed the flowers, we went into the kitchen for tea and chocolates. After tea, we read the Bible and prayed. Then we retired to the parlor and talked. I was amazed how quickly the day flew by, yet how peaceful and stress free it seemed. Pam explained, "Tante Corrie and I never do lots of things at once. We don't sit outside, read and enjoy tea and chocolates. We space everything out so we can truly appreciate the individual pleasures of each activity." That day I witnessed the glory of God in watching spring flowers bob in the breeze...in savoring the taste of dark chocolate...in smelling the fragrance of Earl Grey tea...in listening to an elderly saint pray...and of discovering new insights in God's Word. All because I lived the day at Corrie's pace.

Someone has pushed the fast-forward button on our days. As the microwave heats our morning Danish, we pay bills online, listen for the chime on the dryer, all the while eavesdropping on Dr. Dobson on Christian radio. Little wonder we feel stressed out. Galatians 5:25 says, "Let us keep in step with the Spirit." Often the Spirit takes very slow steps. Push the pause button, and find a way you can slow down today. Enjoy God's glory in every small thing.

Spirit of Christ, help me to keep in step with You today and not run ahead.