Why Rush?

Rush, rush, rush!  That does not change just because you retire....I can assure you of that.

This morning was no different than all the others.  I'm sure you're thinking that I sleep in, sip on my coffee, take my time getting out of bed then go do my nails.  Boy are you wrong!

In fact, I was out of the house before seven.  I sent my son off to school, my husband off to work and then went to meet my father in law for a doctor's appt.  After the appointment,  I dropped him off and drove down town to look for "specific" party favors, drove back home, made my 2:00 appointment, drove to the flower shop for prom flowers, then back to see my father in law.  Somewhere in there I saw my husband for a few minutes before he was off to church.   What a day and everything has to be done expediently.

That is most days and nothing is simple.  When I walk in to see my father in law I am in such a rush.  Some days I walk past the "greeter in her wheelchair" and as I walk past her I am saying helloooooooo.  I get to his room, sit in my normal chair and watch the world go by.

I say this because I have come to know many people there.  One such person is Mrs. Rosalie Rush.  She travels down the hall back and forth with no assistance at all.  She manuevers her wheel chair and passes "stalled ones" to the left.  She never breaks her stride and as she rolls past me I yell out "Hello Mrs. Rush."  Everytime!  She merely responds with her "hello" and keeps moving.  She is always dressed nicely and looks as if her hair was professionally done. Sometimes when I see her I comment on her beautiful beads or bracelet or shiny ring the size of a half dollar bill and she softly responds with a shy "thank you."

The other day I caught myself saying "Oh to be able to take life at that pace."  You see, Mrs Rush has it right.  She has no schedule, she has no worries, she lives life to her fullest every day.  If that means strolling the halls saying hello to people or sitting outside sipping on a frapaccino....she does not rush and her life is completely in God's hands. 

I believe that regardless of our schedule, regardless of what we have to "fit in" to our day, we can do it without rushing.  Did I mention that I forgot to have my quiet time this morning?  Rushing! It reminds me of the story of Martha and Mary in the bible.  Jesus basically told Martha she was worried about the insignigicant things but Mary had it right when she took the time to hear what he had to say. 

As we travel this journey, I pray that I will slow down enough to enjoy all that God has provided.  This is a season and soon it will be behind us.  I pray that I can hold on to every memory, every day, every hug as my son settles into a new place.  I pray that I can enjoy each moment, each hour, each day with my father in law without rushing.  I thank God that he has sent an example of what that looks like by way of Mrs. Rush. 

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. 
Luke 10:4-42

Rosalie Rush name used with permission.