Years ago I lived in Huntington Beach, California. We belonged to a parish called St. Simon and Jude. The priests there were Franciscan Order priests. One of them was originally from the Phillipines. He was the sweetest man. He came back from a vacation to his homeland with a sermon that started off with the statement. "You thought I was slow before." He proceeded to tell us that in the Phillipines, everything moves much slower and life is not franetic or hurried and that he had reverted to his childhood. He told us all to slow down, look around us and not rush through the day. To lean back an enjoy this life God gave us without trying to do everything now and so fast.

I left that service feeling so relaxed and refreshed. I'll bet it lasted several hours. Often when I feel the most pressed, I think of that homily and try to remember what he told us.

I wrote a poem that expressed that thought. Perhaps it will help you too. Remember - Lean back, look around, don't be in such a hurry.

SLOW ME DOWN, LORD



Slow me down, Lord
Let me see the flowers
Let me smell the flowers
Not just plant them
Not just tend them

Slow me down, Lord
Let me hold my children
Let me play with my children
Not just chide them
Not just tend them

Slow me down, Lord
Let me hug my husband
Let me talk to my husband
Not just keep his house for him
Not just tend him

Slow me down, Lord
Let me see the sun today
Let me breathe the air today
Not just plan for tomorrow
Not just wait for tomorrow

Slow me down, Lord
Let me laugh at the joy of today
Let me cry for the sorrows of today
Not just yearn for what is to be
Not just wait for what is to be

Slow me down, Lord

Love you all

Mary