Take the time to slow down, appreciate change

What do the words fast-paced and instantaneous conjure up in your mind? We may not say these words often but we do experience them daily.

In our culture these words have become meshed together into our lives. Even when we take a vacation from our jobs and routines of life, it is very difficult to relax and enjoy ourselves because we've been programmed to hurry so we can get on to the next thing that needs our attention.

When it comes to gratification, we want it now - not 15 minutes from now - but now. We go to a machine and get our cash now. We e-mail and can get an answer right away. Fast food is popular because we can get our food and eat within minutes and get back to whatever we need to do.

Sometimes, we long to get back to simpler, quieter times. A time when we knew our neighbors and actually said "hi" to them (instead of pushing the garage door button and never seeing them.)

In God's creation, a seed is planted and stays in the dark earth for a period of time. After germinating, it begins to sprout and grow and finally we see the results of that growth.

It took time. The same way with people.

We are conceived, born and grow for many years before we reach adulthood. It didn't happen overnight, it took time to develop our bodies, our minds, our emotions and our spirits. God is and wants to be involved in that process.

Everything that is worth anything takes time to produce or develop - a marriage, a family, etc. We need to become more aware all the time that it is people who matter and not how much "stuff" we can gather. God has given us one another to care for an nurture.

Take time to ask God to help you slow down enough to see people instead of walking past them as though they are just part of the scenery like the sidewalks or the bushes.

My wife, Debbie, and I desire to see people as part of God's creation. We understand as we work with individuals and families in our line of business, that we are stewards of God and we are here to serve people and their needs.

Jesus understood this, as He too came to serve and to give His life for our salvation.

It is written in Matthew 20:28, "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

• John Lawrence is director of Autumn Funerals and Cremations and is a member of the Carson City Christian Ministerial Fellowship.