Rushing Slowly

Saw someone in the gym this morning wearing a T-shirt promoting Caribbean vacations and island time. The words emblazoned across the back of the shirt read “Rushing Slowly”. If you’ve ever vacationed on one of the Caribbean islands you likely would understand the intended meaning. Island time is measured so we are encouraged to slow down our hectic lifestyles and to savor the vacation pace.

A Caribbean vacation is supposed to recharge our lives, prepare us to return to our previous businesses of life. Unfortunately for most of us, a Caribbean vacation is not permanent, nor is the positive aftereffects permanent. Vacations feel good for the moment, but once we leave that vacation spot we must return to our previous reality … dealing with the quick, fast and sometimes slow aspects of our lives … we desire another vacation to recharge.

The Epistle of James speaks of times to be quick and be slow, but for an entirely different end. Most vacations are needed to recharge our “batteries” so we can return to the very lifestyle that got us to that needy place.

James 1:19-20(paraphrased): Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

There is a time to be quick and a time to be slow. James speaks of the need to quickly accept the Word that God has planted in our hearts. As well there is an appropriate time to be slow, allowing time for the Word to settle into our spirit and take over our lives.

Robert Parlante

May 2015

A Measure of Success

I attended my granddaughter’s graduation on Saturday where Jerry Richardson, the owner and founder of the Carolina Panthers football team was granted an honorary degree. He spoke briefly and highlighted some aspects of his life. He was the first person in his family to attend and graduate from college. He was at best a C student. He claimed one of his lowest grades was a D minus minus minus! (Not sure if that grade even exists!)

Despite his educational track record, Richardson claims his success in life was based on several keys … perseverance and a family that taught him to always say please and thank you.

Success in life is different for every person. In Richardson’s case, he gave a multi-million dollar gift to the university to build a new football stadium. That was one outcome of his success. (I expect having the Panthers win a Super Bowl would be defined as success, as well.)

The Book of James speaks of a different measure of success available to all regardless of our up-bringing or our abilities or our finances. Perseverance toward a goal in life overrides many of our perceived limitations.

James 1:12 - God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Verses 17 - 18 remind us: Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

Richardson’s words were inspiring. Education counts! Good manners counts! Perseverance counts! But our greatest measure of success is accepting the promises from God. So reach in the right direction and become a prized possession of God.

Robert Parlante

May 2015