The Joy of Not Being All Things for All People
- Amy DeBerg
- May 6
- 2 min read
Returning to the GraceStory Podcast was author and speaker Laura L. Smith. She and Nate Davison discussed The Joy of Slowing Down in a world consumed by “hustle culture.” This idea of slowing down seems to be elusive and dreamy, but Laura suggests the opposite. In the episode, we learn how Jesus taught and established “rhythms of grace” and how we can reshape our perception of time and utilize it better. Slowing down and enjoying time is within reach for everyone, whether caught up in the hustle culture or not.
I was personally intrigued by the unwritten rules of hustle culture that Laura shared. Phrases, such as “Can’t stop, won’t stop,” “More is more,” “Sleep is overrated,” and “Crazy busy,” seem to be the mantra for our time. While I don’t use these particular phrases, I can see how I believed them in seasons of my life. Laura shared how these unwritten rules declare, “We have to do all the things, all the time, for all the people,” but there is so much freedom and joy when we realize we don’t have to live that way anymore.
Years ago, as a young mom fresh in my faith, I was determined to be the perfect wife, mother, and Jesus follower. Attempting to be all these things led me to say yes to everything that came my way. Even if I was on the brink of exhaustion, I had to have a spotless house. My kid’s birthday parties had to be meticulously thought out, organized, and all my guests comfortably entertained. I expected myself to have meals planned out and prepared for my husband when he arrived home from work. And I wanted him to always be able to come home to a clean house, with all the dishes and laundry washed. I don’t recall saying to myself “can’t stop, won’t stop,” specifically. However, my actions spoke those words loud and clear.
Now, on the other side of raising children, I can see how I was caught up in hustle culture. I was doing many things because I felt they were expected of me, but it only left me feeling exhausted all the time. I was too busy doing too many things. In my younger years, I knew nothing about rhythms of grace.
The rhythms of grace that Jesus demonstrated were his unhurried way of life, the way he always stopped for his people, and his intentional space for talking with the Father through prayer. These are great practices we can adopt into our daily lives to slow our pace and enjoy life.
Prompt: In her episode, Laura Smith recommended looking at how we're spending our day with an honest evaluation. What can be removed? Can something be delegated? May we take time to explore our lives and learn from Jesus’ example of an unhurried life.
“I don’t recall saying to myself “can’t stop, won’t stop,” specifically. However, my actions spoke those words loud and clear.” Oh how often this is all too true! Lord help my actions sync with YOUR principles and what I say.