When Ashley and I were heading down to south Florida, we noticed large billboards on both the interstate and the turnpike with the words “Don’t Hurry, Be Happy.” This was a spin off from the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin. The purpose was to try to slow people down as they were traveling south for vacation or heading home after a week off. There is a real danger when people are speeding. It is easier to lose control of your vehicle. It is also easier to run up on slower traffic and perhaps cause an accident. As I thought about those signs, I realized that slowing down is not only important when we drive, but it is also true for us as we live our lives. Many of us speed through our day going from one activity to the next. We can’t stand to be still or slow down. We have so much to do and so little time to get it done. When we speed through life, we run the risk of hurting ourselves and others. We miss the opportunities God has for us along the way. God knows we need to slow down. He created the Sabbath day as a set time for rest, worship, and relaxation. Our hurry and anxiety serves no purpose except to wear us out and get us into trouble in our relationships, health, and spiritual well being. I am going to try to take these words to heart and not hurry, but be happy and enjoy some Sabbath rest.
– Dr. Neil Epler, Congregational Care Pastor