Ease the pounding of my
heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace. Give me, amidst the
day's confusion, the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my
nerves and muscles with the soothing music of singing streams that live in my
memory.
Help me to know the
magical, restoring power of sleep. Teach me the art of taking "minute
vacations"... slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to
read a few lines from a good book.
Remind me of the fable
of the hare and the tortoise; that the race is not always to the swift; that
there is more to life than measuring its speed.
Let me look up at the
branches of the towering oak and know that it grew slowly and well. Inspire me
to send my own roots down deep into the soil of life's endearing values ...
that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.
Slow me down, Lord.
{Wilferd Arlan Peterson}
