The Gift of Slowing Down

November’s arrival signals the year’s closing stretch—a time when ministry calendars fill with stewardship drives, Advent planning, and holiday events. Ironically, the season that invites gratitude often leaves pastors breathless.

The natural world, however, tells another story. Trees shed their leaves, the earth quiets, and creation prepares to rest. What if we let November’s rhythm remind us to slow our own pace?

Practices for Sacred Slowness

• Schedule margin: Block out short pauses in your day—ten minutes between meetings, a half-day each week—to breathe and re-center.

• Reclaim the table: Share at least one unhurried meal a day, savoring conversation or silence as an act of presence.

• Listen before leading: As you plan for Advent, take time to listen deeply—to God, to your body, to those you serve.

Jesus’ ministry flowed from stillness. He withdrew to pray before major decisions, allowing silence to ground his purpose. Slowness is not idleness; it is an act of resistance against a culture of relentless doing.

 

Before the rush of December, may November teach us

the holiness of pause.