You wake up in the morning and before your feet hit the floor, your mind is already flooded with the items that didn’t get checked off your “to-do” list yesterday.

If you have a “to-do” list. If not, making a “to-do” list is likely on your mental “to-do” list.

If you have children, its likely that you wake up to little voices asking for your help with something or the need to break up a sibling squabble.

Not exactly the way to get a peaceful start to your day.

A Pew Research study in 2006 claims that about 1/4 of American women and 1/5 of all men “always feel rushed.” And while a more recent study by the University of Maryland states that the population at general is less rushed now, it is also less happy.

Interestingly enough, those surveyed in the UMD study who were happiest (less than 10%) didn’t have more free time on their hands. Researcher John P. Robinson concluded that “This small slice of the population…seems to have found a way to organize their lives in a way to resist the rat race and hurry sickness than afflicts the rest of us.“

What can we do to “organize our lives” in such a way where we rejected hurry and embrace the gift of each moment that is given us?

God provides us with much instruction from His Word on how we can live a full life with quietness and intentionality. Here are three such thoughts for your further reflection:

1) Decrease Anxiety through Prayer: “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6. My in-laws have a plaque above the door which exits their home stating, “A man who is too busy to pray is too busy.”

Even if our inbox isn’t flooded or our task-list on overload, our minds can still be constantly running with anxious, unrestful thoughts. While anxiety is a common human condition, as believers in Christ we can choose to daily, even hourly if necessary, give him those worries and fears in prayer, inviting his peace into our thoughts.

2) Practice His Presence: Psalm 37:7 admonishes us to “Be still before The Lord and wait patiently for Him.” As a society in general, we don’t like to be still OR to wait patiently – but this is a clear invitation from God which brings rest, peace, joy, and renewal of strength. We can walk and talk with God when we are anywhere, doing anything. He promises that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.

3) Take Time to Dwell in the Moment: Psalm 37:3 encourages us to “…dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.” To dwell means to settle down and abide. Observe your surroundings. Pull your head up from your smart phone. Smile at your neighbors. Don’t just water your flowers – smell them.

A full life doesn’t have to be a frenzied life. Embrace God, embrace your place, and embrace peace and joy right where you are!

What or who has helped you learn to slow down and focus on the blessings right in front of you? I would love to hear from you!