On Being Slow

I recently read a book,  In Praise of Slowness.  The author, Carl Honore, shares the history of our "speed-addicted" life style, as he writes about ways to control time, to make our lives more "productive, and healthier...".  I am fascinated with towns in Italy that have put slow on the top of the list and people who have begun schools to teach people to drive slower.  Slow seems like a great idea.

Even though living slow has become part of our lives here in small town Germany, the question remains, why is "slow" important?  Is it slowness I want as the outcome for my life or is slow the means not the end?  I continue to ponder these questions.

A good friend passed away unexpectedly last month which caused me to reflect more on my purpose.  Mari Ellen lived in Kandern and worked at Black Forest Academy for the past twenty years and understood slow in terms of relationship.  She took time to talk with a student, meet someone for ice cream, enjoy dinner with friends.  Whoever she was with was her focus.  Mari Ellen lived a full life, but she always made time for people.

Thank you, Mari Ellen, for your legacy of loving people.

The last time we saw Mari Ellen, just a few days after her surgery, we were the 7th and 8th visitors of her day. In spite of not feeling well and being on pain meds, Mari Ellen was delighted to see us.  She had time to spend with the people of her life.

Mari Ellen had a knack for touching the raw nerve of emotion, or seeing through excuses.  She somehow knew when compassion was needed, but also when to share the truth in love.  She was a safe place to share deep hurts.  Her FaceBook wall testifies to the deep connections she had made with over one thousand students, staff, and friends.

Mari Ellen left a legacy deeper than a series of strategies or rules for living slow.  In her life, slow meant time to feel the pain of loss, the joy of reconnection, the confusion of learning a new language and culture, the embarrassement of not understanding.

Upon reflection I, too, want a legacy of relationships, not just living slow, built loving people like Jesus did.  I want to be a safe place of rest, truth, and joy.  Mari Ellen has pointed the way.  Now I need to follow.