Slow Down And Smell The Roses

Psalm 50:1-2 – The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. (NIV)

While vacationing in New Zealand, I discovered that the local government had a way of bringing home a point, when it came to speeding. The signs posted along the side of the road read, "The Quick are the Dead", or "97 Percent of New Zealanders die over 67 (mph)". But the sign I enjoyed the most was more subtle. Beds of beautiful wild flowers were planted in the median dividing a small section of four-lane highway outside of Auckland. Apparently, the Traffic Safety Committee had discovered that, when motorists passed this section of the highway, they tended to reduce their speed, in order to admire the beauty around them. Flowers became an effective way to entice drivers to slow down and live.

Today, many of us are speeding down life's highway, ignoring the posted warning signs about the fast pace we live. But God has planted many flowers, and created a beautiful world. In His Word, we are encouraged to take time from our busy lives to find Him in the splendour of His handiwork.

Prayer: Dear God, forgive us when we're going too fast to see the beauty that You have created all around us. Reveal Your truths to us as we take time to admire Your magnificent handiwork. Amen.