Contemplative Approach Is Slow-Going. This Is OK.

The pace of the soul is quite a bit slower than the movement around us.
This slowed pace is one of the most difficult aspects of contemplative life.
On my first visit to Holy Trinity Abbey, in Huntsville, Utah, I noticed a handmade traffic sign on the road that led from the monastery gate to the church: “Slow down.”
At the moment, it seemed very poignant.
For those of us who like to cover a lot of territory in our Bible reading or our prayer time, the contemplative approach is going to seem extremely slow. There is a real push within us to get on with it. You may find yourself thinking this isn’t your style, because it takes too long.
There is not whatsoever wrong with reading large sections of the Bible. This is a good way to “stay fresh” with the Word of God.
In contemplative reading you will find yourself immersed in a single thought – sometimes a single word – that God will be working out through you. It is important that you fight the natural urge to move on and hurry up. Peaceful waters do not rush.
We are all from a culture that has taught us that moving slowly is wasting time. Be patient. Pace yourself. And remember the sign at the monastery – “Slow Down.”