There’s a lot of noise in my life at the moment. My days are currently spent learning through digital courses, reading books, and watching a lot of YouTube videos. On top of that, I listen to solid, biblical teachings, as well as incredible songs, on my way to and from work.

I truly believe all of this digital information is incredible. What a world we live in!

But, for all the goodness that stuff brings to my life, it’s still nothing compared to Jesus.

When I stop reading and slow right down, just talking to Him is where I am most content. It’s where I belong.

I’ve noticed that sometimes when I read too much, it takes ages to de-clutter and find my own faith again. Hear His voice for myself again.

I’m learning to read what He wants me to read. Listening to what He wants me to listen to.

I think this is hard when you love to read and consume and write content.

I think, as millennials, it’s about time we talked about connecting with Jesus. How do we meet with Him on an average, busy, working day? How do we slow down?

Do we really believe he has something to say about our busyness, our work?

I’m forever asking Jesus for words as I write marketing and sales copy. But I get so frustrated when He doesn’t answer me quickly. The truth is, though his timing is perfect, sometimes I think he’s slow. Sometimes He wants me to press in before I get the right words. I think if it wasn’t this way I would quite quickly become the greatest writer in the world and I would not attribute it to Him… maybe (!)

Five years ago, I prayed a prayer: ‘I want every, single word that I write to glorify you Jesus.’ In light of this, I have come to learn that Jesus wants me to write out the rubbish. Because He is in the business of redemption. There comes a point where He steps in and makes a bad paragraph a good one – but it’s always after I’ve made my best attempt. That’s what glorifies God – my ‘yes’, my ability to show up and tell the truth. He takes it from there.

I think we forget that Jesus is a great teacher. That He’s the best at every job. He’s the best mentor you could ever ask for, really.

How do we slow down?

How often do we read about other people’s slow moments on social media? How many slow moments do we experience, rather than read?

I think it’s scary to slow down. I think ‘instant’ has become a seriously ingrained part of our culture. If I want something new I can just grab it next day delivery or from my local supermarket.

But, Jesus isn’t like that. He’s speaking to me slowly: ‘all I want is just to be with you.’

… The truth is – all I want is just to be with Him. Pursuing Him, slowing down in the busyness of life – waiting patiently. Typing out the rubbish to get to the gems.

Slowing down looks different for everyone – and it takes practice. For some people, taking time to admire beauty and revel in nature slows them. Others will have to write out all the junk in their heads in order to steady those whirring thoughts.

Sometimes I just like to think about Jesus. I wonder: what expression does He have when He looks at me? What is it like to hold His hand? What is it like to look in His eyes?

The beautiful thing about slowing down and pondering Jesus; everything else melts away. The One who died for love sits with me and adores me, no matter what is going on in my life. Regardless of what mess I am in; there is a God who wants to be with me. Still, gentle. Yes, love is stronger than death and love is fierce in pursuit. But it is also patient. Real. Slow.

How are you slowing down today?