3 Points to Ponder
- “Low and slow is a cooking technique for smoking meat. It can also be applied in friendships. Do you typically approach friendships low and slow or hot and fast?”
- “Nothing can replace time spent with people you truly love. Ask anyone who has lost someone precious to them and they will say, “I wish I could talk to them one more time.” Are you savoring the time you spend with your precious people?”
- “Eat a great meal and enjoy the good gifts your Father has given you. Being content in a moment is a blessing from God. Take a look at your schedule. Are you building time in to enjoy the good gifts God has given you?”
2 Quotes to Share
“The greatest gift that you can give to others and yourself is time. Embrace the gift of time whether you give it or receive it.” – Philip Zimbardo
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
1 Story of Impact
This past week, I’ve been traveling in Atlanta, the metropolis of Due West, Greenville, and Spartanburg. At each one of those locations, I had wonderful 3+ hour dinners with dear and new friends, ate amazing food, and held beautiful conversations. These conversations were savored over 5-course dinners which allowed time to develop the needed nuances, breaking past the superficial. I learned much from my friends, as being present with ample time created an atmosphere of connection. I didn’t realize how much I needed these conversations, as I’ve been on Mach 3 for the better part of two months. Southern Hospitality is a real thing, and I was able to be blessed by my hosts and servers. My soul was restored a little bit through shared meals, conversations, and living life together. Time is not our enemy. Time can be our friend if we learn how to embrace it. I think this is one of the reasons I love to smoke meat. For it to hit the mark, the process can’t be rushed. There is no microwave for great smoked ribs or brisket. When is the last time you’ve had a 3-hour meal with great friends or family? Do you have a time on the calendar for the next 3-hour meal? Embrace the gift of time, as anything truly great can’t be rushed. And enjoy the ribs while you are at it.
