Slowly, Slowly, Slowly

Julia loved reading "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," said the Sloth by Eric Carle. She loved drawing out the words extra slowly. We learned together from the sloth. Despite accusations from all his other animal friends that he was lazy and boring, he accepted himself for who he was and knew that his way of living was especially valuable.

Jesus teaches us a new way of living. He teaches us that his "burden is light" (Matthew 11:30) and to not worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). He shows us how to be present to people even when there is dire and urgent need all around (Mark 5:21-43). Jesus wasn't led by haste or anxiety or fear. He was led by the voice of the Father.

In my journey of learning to be a parent, I have been working towards this way of living. Going slowly, being present, not giving into worry, living under the umbrella of grace. But then suddenly the harshness of the world made me question all of it. How can we live without worry and fear when there is death? How can I live without haste when I can't shake the voice of accusation that says we weren't fast enough to save our daughter? It has made me question if Jesus's way of living is possible and good.

Julia, I am going to try to keep learning from the sloth. The voices of accusation are harsh. But I'm going to try my hardest to keep living...slowly, slowly, slowly.