One morning while making breakfast, I found myself reflecting on a conversation I had when I first arrived in Richmond. A kind lady at the AT&T store asked if I was a veteran. I said yes. Then she asked if I’d ever been to combat. Again, yes. Her next question stuck with me: “How long did you stay, and how is it coming back?”

With a smile, I replied, “Different.”

She asked, “How?”

I told her, “I’m used to a slow pace.  In this city, everyone’s in a rush.  On I-95, I feel like I need my armored vest and helmet just to drive. “In combat, everything moves slowly and methodically.  You’re not racing to the next stoplight or trying to beat the car beside you. You’re moving with purpose, scanning your surroundings, making sure you don’t miss anything.  But here, life moves fast—and sometimes too fast.

That conversation reminded me of something important: our spiritual walk needs that same slow, intentional pace.

It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of life, work, responsibilities and all kinds of distractions. But when it comes to our relationship with God—if we want one, we need to slow down. Bible study and church are wonderful, but there’s something powerful about sitting quietly with Scripture and letting God speak directly to you.

Some say, “I read the Bible in a year.” That’s great—but how much did you learn? I’ve done it too, and I got very little from it.  But when I made time, when I truly focused, I began to see things I’d missed the first five times.  God’s Word is alive, and it speaks differently each time we read it—if we’re willing to listen.

Take your time. Read slowly. Reflect deeply. Let God speak to you.  Life is tough. Life is hard. But God takes time for us—why not take  time for Him.  May God bless continue to bless you, your brother in Christ…TMK.