Recently, the Holy Spirit has been whispering, “Slow
down. You are going over the speed
limit in life.” He has been
speaking through devotionals, speakers, authors, friends, counselors, and yes,
His small, still voice. Sometimes
I feel as if I am a NASCAR racer. There
is a reward for the first person to finish that race! Why is it that we treat busyness as a sign of success? This question has been posed several
times lately…through authors and speakers. Craig Jutila acknowledges in the book he and Mary Jutila
co-authored, “Jesus moved from the chaos of the crowd to quiet comfort; He went
from a hectic place to a healthy pause.” (Pg 111 From Hectic to Healthy) Mark 6:46 reads, “After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.” Although Jesus was perfect, He needed solitude and time to refuel…time
with His Heavenly Father. This was
His living water….His H20. Let’s
face it, when we drink H2O, we feel replenished and reenergized. A healthy
lifestyle also replenishes and reenergizes. In contrast, a hectic
lifestyle depletes and diminishes.
The book, From Hectic to Healthy, (H2H) written by Craig and Mary Jutila is one
method God has gotten my attention.
Craig and Mary utilize several acronyms that creatively help the reader
to remember the techniques to living a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Craig and Mary do not simply teach
techniques. They open their hearts
and souls to the reader. They
authentically share how they are moving toward a healthy life. They
state emphatically, “This is not a destination, rather a journey.”
The Jutilas’ begin with “Understanding
SPIN.” (Seasons, Priorities, Isolation, & Neglect. I especially loved the chapter on
priorities. Their authenticity
made me realize that the priorities I desired were not the priorities I was
living each day. My desired
priorities were not aligned with my daily routine.
The section “Setting PACE” served as a catalyst for change in my life. PACE
represents Practice Soul Care, Act Accordingly, Come Together, & Enjoy
Life. Wait! It is acceptable to simply enjoy
life?! I am not sure I can define
that phrase without attaching it to productivity, ministry, making a
difference, etc. Mary and Craig
speak of laughter being like medicine.
I realized that I must leave room for laughter. As my kids would say, “Lighten up,
Mom!”
If you struggle with feeling like
you are a NASCAR racer or a gerbil running inside the wheel and there is no
STOP ahead, I encourage you to read this book. You will not be disappointed! I would venture to say that an H2H life is just as vital to our soul as H2O is to our body.
What is your obstacle keeping you
from living a healthy life? What is the ONE change you can
implement to bring you closer to a healthy
lifestyle? Remember, “it is
not a destination, it is a journey.” (Craig & Mary Jutila)
“Come to me,
all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For
my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28-30)