Hurry Steals Our Contentment

Hey ya’ll! I am so excited about what I get to share today, especially during this busy time of year. Today I want to welcome my precious friend and fellow Proverbs 31 Ministries author, Glynnis Whitwer, to share from her new book, Doing Busy Better: Enjoying God’s Gifts of Work and Rest. This is an amazing message that everyone needs to hear! And even more fun, is Glynnis is giving away a copy of her new book to one of my readers, plus she has free downloads for all of you! Read down to the bottom to find out how to claim  your freebies and enter to win.

So here’s Glynnis!

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Most of us long for life to slow down. Maybe that’s why so many of us want a home that looks like a farmhouse. We idealize a lifestyle led by a simple faith and daily routines, prompted by the rising and setting sun.

But I’ll be honest, I’d have to have a farmhouse with good wifi. I’m not sure I could give up my electronic devices. In fact, I’m pretty sure I have a slight addiction to my laptop and smartphone. And by slight I mean significant.

And I am still waiting for my smartphone to make me smarter. Somehow I just feel dumber when I enter an appointment on my phone and it shows up on my computer—but not my phone. I can’t figure it out. It’s like they are in cahoots.

I think if we were all honest, we’d be miserable if things slowed down. We’d much rather things hurry up.

The problem is that hurry is the enemy of what matters most in life.

We were designed to go at a slower pace, to ponder, to process thoughts one at a time. And when we try to go at computer speed, we miss out on what’s important in life.

Hurry robs us of the beauty God has placed in front of us, and the grace that others so desperately need. Hurry is also a tool Satan uses to undermine God’s plan for us.

Jesus calls Satan a “thief” and warns us that he’s out to steal and destroy everything good in our lives. In John 10:9–11, Jesus says,

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Using hurry as a tool, Satan steals our contentment.

As someone who struggles with her weight, I’m always looking for a tip to help me lose a few pounds. One tip is to eat slowly. WebMD reports that it takes twenty minutes from the time we start eating for the brain to tell the stomach it’s full. Until then, we will keep eating in order to experience that sensation of being full. And in that time, we will overeat.

What a profound parallel to our need for speed in other areas of our lives. Could slowing down give us the time to feel content with what we have?

When I’m in a hurry, I don’t appreciate the beauty around me. My awareness of others is diminished in my increased focus on the goal. I miss the small details of life that bring me the most joy in my rush.

Contentment isn’t found in the big splashes but in the gentle ripples.

Hurry isn’t our friend in the most important areas of life. Neither relationships, nor quality, nor depth can be found when we hurry.

So the next time we feel that panic start to sneak in and push our gas pedal, let’s pause and breathe deeply. Refuse to be rushed. Declare that hurry has no place in the good work you are doing or the beautiful life God has placed before you.

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The Free Book Giveaway

Comment below and share an area of your life that you feel God is calling you to slow the pace in. One random winner will be chosen to win a copy of Doing Busy Better and will notified by email on Tuesday, July 11. (U.S. addresses only).

Free Downloads

Glynnis has five mobile lockscreens you can download to be reminded of what God’s Word says about rest by subscribing here. You can also download a sample chapter of Doing Busy Better, and if you purchase a copy, be sure to redeem your receipt to receive a FREE companion Study Guide. Get the details here.

About Doing Busy Better

In Doing Busy Better, Glynnis helps you examine your heart and your schedule in order to seek a healthy, holy, and enjoyable balance between work and rest. Most importantly, she shows you that your worth is found not in your accomplishments but in the love of the One who made you for work and for rest.

About Glynnis

Glynnis Whitwer is Executive Director of Communications for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and contributor to their Encouragement for Today devotional, reaching over a million women each day. She’s the author of nine other books, including Taming the To-Do List and I Used to Be So Organized. She and her husband, Tod, live in Arizona and have five young-adult children. Connect with Glynnis at www.GlynnisWhitwer.com where she encourages women to live with margin and room to breathe while still getting things done.

40 Comments

  1. Janice Elrod on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 7:50 am

    So excited to read this book! I overcommit! Constantly! All the time! I just can’t say no!



    • Karen Moxley on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 8:30 am

      Wow! One area! I am always muti-tasking-I feel never enjoying life like God wants me to. I need to slow down in almost every area!



  2. Emily Fleener on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 8:09 am

    I need to slow my life in raising my kids and be more intentional on what I’m teaching them and how I am being an example for them. I’d be honored to win s copy of this book.



  3. Elizabeth on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 8:17 am

    I have been rushing through many things in my life. Thank you for the reminder to pause and enjoy the present moment.



  4. Melissa Fenderson on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 8:19 am

    I need to slow down when I get off of work and come home to be with my children. I tend to stay in the rush of work and it is not calming or comforting to my family.



  5. Rebecca Shiplett on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 8:25 am

    “Contentment isn’t found in the big splashes but in the gentle ripples.” That is huge! I recently resigned from my 20+ year teaching career to become a Nanny Nana to my grand babies. The chaotic stress of teaching kept my mind focused off my family. Through God’s grace, I’m returning to live in the gentle ripples.



  6. Kristy on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 8:28 am

    I am in a season of slowing down. For so long I rushed time along by filling my schedule and my to do list. I was never full. Never enough. Then my adrenals gave out and I could hardly function. But as I healed I got busy again. So here I am again circling that mountain, wrestling with adrenal fatigue. The one area I am really focusing on is my kids and husband. Slowing down to enjoy time with them. “Pondering in my heart” every moment we share and trying to not let other’s expectations pull me away.



  7. Carol Ann Pennington on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 8:36 am

    Because I am a school teacher, I especially rush and am too busy, during the school year. I do have the privilege however, of slowing down and enjoying the little things during my summer break. Ironically, the only time that I read is in the summer, during my break. I’d love a copy of the book to help me put into practice this slower living throughout the year.



  8. Tammy on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 8:42 am

    Such an awesome message for everyone…thank you Glynnis. I’m 58 and just had major back surgery… I think God wants me to take a new path…a slower path now. I have worked in special education for 20 years. Though physically, mentally and emotionally draining, it’s a career that is very rewarding. But my body has to slow down…it can’t do that job any more…I’m struggling with this. Who am I without my work. I know it’s time to slow down and find another way to serve and survive financially but it’s far from easy….you question your purpose in life. It’s the ultimate slow down in life time and I’m not sure what to do with it!! Blessings to all!



  9. Lisa Richardson on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 8:42 am

    With 2 young children, a full time job, and trying to be involved at church, we are always busy. Running from one thing to the next. If i don’t have my quiet time first thing in the morning I let busy take over and find myself physically and emotionally spent.
    I would love a copy of Glynniss’ new book.



  10. Kristi Davis on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 8:54 am

    I need to slow down and listen (really listen) to my daughter more. I tend to multitask and passively listen. I’ve got to change this!



  11. Lee on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 9:18 am

    I am in need of encouragement in this area for sure. Thank you so very much for writing this book to help us slow the busy and be more contented with our daily and ordinary, that are gifts I can so easily overlook.



  12. Becky on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 9:27 am

    I always fel like we should be doing some sort of activity. I panic when there is no schedule for the day.



  13. Linda C on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 9:31 am

    Oh to be able to slow down…especially my mind. I am looking forward to reading the book and praying that I can pick up some pointers on how to do that. Thank you for sharing your experience.



  14. Susan C on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 9:42 am

    This excerpt really hit the mark for me. My life is a bit overwhelming; my mother passed away a couple of weeks ago. This transition from caregiver to executor in a dysfunctional family of origin is very difficult. I leave work to tackle a never-ending to-do list for Mom’s affairs; my own tasks are being neglected. Last night I was doing dishes, racing the clock to clean up after dinner and just longing to sit on my deck for a few minutes and breathe deeply. Satan used that rush to tip contentment to resentment. This post pointed out to me a simple tool to help me be transformed by the renewing of my mind. I will pause throughout my days and ask myself if I am choosing contentment or resentment. Thank you so much!



  15. Jen S. on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 9:55 am

    Oh how I long for rest and a slower paced life. I am a very busy mom of 4 who is constantly going and multitasking. If I ever have a rare moment to sit and just be, I find I fall asleep, an obvious sign that I could use more rest. This book sounds like just what I need.



  16. May on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:01 am

    Yeah- this is a huge struggle for me!!! And it hurts my 3 little girls the most 🙁 I’m always rushing and I’m always rushing them. Always telling them how to get things done faster so they can have time to do something else… it’s a terrible cycle bc then I rush them through the next activity just to rush them through the next and during each activity I’m rushing about getting as much done as I can and if I happen to sit down during my turn in whatever game we are playing I am rushing them through their turn just so I can rush to get more done.
    And you know- I say I am rushing to get everything done so I can have time to relax with them and play with them… but the worst thing is- I NEVER HAVE IT ALL DONE!! Now matter how much I get done with all my rushing all day long!! That means hay my little girls NEVER GET TO SPEND UNRUSHED TIME WITH ME. ITS HORRIBLE AND IT MAKES ME WANT TO CRY. There’s got to be something I can do to stop this madness before my girls are all grown up and I have missed everything. 🙁



  17. Elsie on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Having a more”simpler life” has been a goal of ours since the beginning of our marriage. It is much easier now since we our senior citizens. I do desire having a healthier balance of being busy. Thanks for writing this book



  18. Heather on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:41 am

    I’d love to slow down in all areas of my life as when one is in chaos it causes a domino effect for the other areas of my life to crumble. I’m a Children’s Pastor and understand fully what rushing means….I’ve found that Rest is necessary in order for me to continue doing Kingdom work and accomplish the calling on my life. I love what I do and don’t consider it work as it is a joy no matter the circumstance!



  19. Lisa on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:58 am

    I need to slow down in budgeting and planning my spending. Love the idea that doing so will increase contentment!



  20. Denise on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 11:16 am

    Great post! I need to slow down in the area of saying yes to everyone.



  21. Lori A. on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 11:30 am

    I need to slow down and “smell the roses” more.



  22. Laura Snyder on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 11:45 am

    As a teacher, it’s easy for me to slow down during the summer and enjoy the rhythm of life a little more (not perfect, but definitely easier!) But once the school year starts back up, life feels like a constant rush. I try to get my errands done before or after work during the week so we can enjoy the weekends more, but I’ve got to learn to let a little more go.



  23. Shannon Kittle on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 12:36 pm

    I really need to find balance between my busyness and rest. God has called me to slow down and take time for Him, but I truly struggle with both of these issues. Looking forward to reading this book.



  24. Kirstin on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    I’ve been trying to slow down so I can better hear God’s voice in my life. There have been many times when I jump into something- a new event, a new purchase- and then learn through consequences that that was not what God wanted me to do.



  25. Stacy on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    I need to find a way to find balance between all the responsibilities I juggle. It feels like I’m always failing and dropping some ball. I would love to read Glynnis’s insights on this.



  26. Pam Jones on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 1:50 pm

    Hurry is my middle name! Being a widow I find myself hurring to read my Debi, get ready for work, driving fast, rushing through lunch, racing to the time clock just to drive quickly home, throw the dog something to eat. End my day either mowing, weed eating the yard, buying groceries, cleaning the house, unstopping the drain, changing the light build and AC filter, and on and on and on; rushing to bed to read my bible, hurry and fall asleep so I can rush all over again. Someone choose for me the part of my life to slow down! This book is definitely for ME.



  27. Martha Parrish on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    I need to slow down and enjoy my kids, especially my 11 year old son. He just moves at a slower pace and I need to take time to connect with him more. My 16 year old daughter only has 2 more years of high school; I need to make the most of this time. Enjoyed this encouragement today and would love to read the book.



  28. Jen E. on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 3:06 pm

    I have a hard time saying no to the mental to do list that is constantly running through my mind and am unable to relax.



  29. Tammy on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 4:56 pm

    I procrastinate and then try to hurry to catch up with day-to-day chores…..and overwrite my to-do list(s). I would love to read this book!



  30. Doris on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:00 pm

    It would be nice to get a clear picture & advice in managing our time, & not letting our time manage us. “Our days are numbered” & we can’t rush our life away.



  31. Sara ramirez on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 1:36 am

    LORD,help me to.slow down and enjoy what You have in front of me. In Jesus Name.



  32. Jennie on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 8:48 am

    One area, my life..husband, kids, work. I feel rushed in every thing I do.



  33. Sandi C on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 9:05 am

    I feel rushed all the time. I’d love to just slow it down without feeling guilty. Thanks for the chance to win this book.



  34. Karol on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    I think my schedule at times resembles ”it’s either feast or famine”…”feast” when I totally overschedule my days and have numerous/completely different errands and things to do or completely different places to be at all at once…and then I wonder how come it was not possible to pace it all nicely and throughout the week, not just all in one day…and I guess once in a while comes ”famine” (when I don’t know anything at all…it’s a blank day- although I feel like I should. There is always stuff to be caught up on- I just lack discipline and motivation to do it.) 🙂



  35. Barbara on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    I always feel like I didn’t get enough done in the day. There is always so much more to be done…ugh….



  36. Paula on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at 7:26 am

    Thank you for this thought!!!



  37. Sheila on Monday, July 10, 2017 at 4:30 pm

    I feel like I am missing so much of this amazing life God has given me. Your book sounds so helpful! 🙂



  38. Jessica Orika on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 5:44 pm

    I declare that hurry has no place in the good work God is doing through me. God bless you for this article.



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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