Fast forward, and this past summer I recognized I was trying to work on too many projects at one time. I had a long to-do list (as many teachers do), but rather than tackle one item at a time, I tried to work on multiple projects at once. Yet none of the tasks were getting completed because I was spreading myself too thin.

I recently read a blog post discussing the over-stimulation of teachers’ minds during the school day. It’s one of the truest things I’ve ever heard but never recognized in myself. No wonder I find it hard to slow down and focus on one thing at a time.

But when did the ability to multi-task become a badge of honor?

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Let’s look at what Scripture tells us about slowing down.

We should:

Slow down in our planning

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21 ESV)

Slow down in our decisions

“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet missed his way.” (Proverbs 19:2 ESV)

Slow down in our responses

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” (James 1:19 ESV)

Pause on that anger part. (This is your friendly reminder not to reply to emails right away.)

God is slow to anger: “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15 ESV)

And we should be slow to anger: “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” (Proverbs 14:29 ESV)

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Join me in being intentional about this. At work, I’m trying to catch myself multi-tasking and calm my mind to complete one task at a time. At home, I’m completing one item on my to-do list before moving on to another. Things are still getting done, but they’re getting done well because I’m paying more attention to each task rather than trying to get things done quickly. In fact, one of my summer goals was to hang the many pictures I had leaning against the walls (well, against one wall, then against another wall, then back to the first wall), but one piece of art wasn’t finished yet (paint-by-numbers are awesome, think about making one). But to feel a sense of accomplishment, I hung the empty frame on the wall.

Check it off the list!

I’m also trying to slow down when I have unscheduled time and read, do a puzzle, or sit outside. And yes, those who know me might chuckle because I know I work too many hours, but I’m working on that. So here it is: Slowing down. . . the new badge of honor.