You can admit it. At the end of the day, when you see all of the wrapping paper on the floor, and all of the gifts have been opened (and some are already broken), you have at some point thought or said, “Is that all?”
Of course, I’m talking about Christmas Day. All of the anticipation and build up that has taken place, and then the day is past.
I well remember the first meal I ever ate that was prepared for me by my wife. We were engaged, but not yet married. She had invited me to her apartment for dinner. At the time she was in her first year of teaching school, and I was still finishing up in college. I went to class that day as usual, hung around with friends, and then prepared for our date.
Keep this in mind: My mom was a wonderful cook. And I had no idea if Tina could cook at all. In my own feeble mind at the time I was taking quite a risk, giving her a ring and setting a date before ever eating her cooking.
At the time I was unaware of this, but Tina took the day off to cook and prepare for me. By the time I arrived she was nervous and exhausted. When I walked in the apartment, the smell was wonderful.
She had prepared a meal that she still cooks for me called, “Chicken Supreme.” I will spare you the details, but let me just say that it ranks only behind a good rib-eye steak for me.
We sat down at the table, I asked a blessing on the food, and then commenced to eating. I don’t think I’ve told you about my bad habit. I eat too fast. Always have. Still haven’t changed. And on that day, according to Tina, I ate two full helpings of everything she had prepared in less than eight minutes.
I thought it was the ultimate compliment. But she was devastated. She had cooked and cleaned for eight hours, and I had consumed my portion in less than eight minutes. I told her it was delicious. But it still unnerved her.
As I said, I still eat faster than I should, but I have tried to slow down. I want to enjoy life. I want to savor what God has given to me.
In his word the Lord has said, “Be still, and know that I am God.” I still have trouble with that. Not only do I eat too fast, but if find myself doing far too many things way too fast.
How I need to slow down and listen to God’s voice, and follow him quietly and determinedly. I don’t think I am alone.
As the new year approaches, might you make that a resolution? Let’s slow down, listen to the Lord, and walk with him each day.