Slow – slower – extremely slow – slow motion.
My pace to get to where I need to be is sooo slooow.
Trying to speed up seem to have the opposite effect.
It is beyond comprehension and so frustrating, Lord.
Is this another one of your upside-down-kingdom lessons?

I thought I was keeping good time at the start of the race.
Weather conditions were favourable; sunny skies and wind at a standstill.
One last deep breath and my focus directed towards the finish line.
At the sound of the starter’s pistol, I shot out of the starting blocks like a bullet.
I kept up with the other runners for a while, but noticed quite quickly that my fuel gauge was heading for the dreaded “Empty”.
My mind was racing as I tried to simultaneously coax my legs to go faster, whilst bargaining with my heart to slow down before it literally jumped out of my chest.

I looked to my left and to my right to analyse my progress, thinking that the finishing line was a few meters up ahead and I would be rewarded with, at least, the bronze medal for third place.
The harsh truth poked me in the eye as reality kicked in.
There was no one to my left or right and no one behind me.
The real race was taking place up ahead – without me.
I tried to keep up, but I was lagging a long way behind.
One by one the others had overtaken me.
So here I was at the back of the pack.

Lord, my strength is fading and I am so very tired.

“GO SLOW, GO SLOW” was what I heard.
How will I finish the race in good time if I go slow, Lord?
“It is not about speed or striving for the best time.
Just keep going, no matter how slow.
If slow is your tempo, then go slow.
Don’t look at the speed of the other racers.
Go at your pace! Stay in your lane! Run your race!
I am here with you, keep going and don’t give up.
Persevere and we will finish the race together.
Just follow my lead. If you need to speed up,
I will be the wind at your back.
Life is not a one-hundred-meter-dash.
It is like a marathon. Run slow and steady at your pace.
Don’t worry about your position in the race.
Different rules govern this race!
Focus on me and listen to my instructions.
You will get to where you need to be, when you need to be there.
Right on time!”