Book review: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

 I recently read a very thought-provoking book called, "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" by John Mark Comer. It was so good. It changed the way I think about many things in my life. It changed the way that I view rest and Sabbath.

First, I need to back up a little bit. Several months ago, in the fall I heard about a podcast called "MomLife" while listening to the Christian radio station. As it turned out, I found a different one than was advertised, but no matter. The one I found is one that I really liked. In the podcast, the ladies were discussing this book that they had all read, "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" and how it changed each of their lives. I was intrigued since I had heard of the book.

There were four different podcasts that I listened to. Each one talked about a different chapter of the book, which was Silence & Solitude, Sabbath, Simplicity, and Slowing. I listened to each podcast, took copious notes, and became more intrigued about this book. I put it on my Christmas list, talked about it a lot, and then received it for Christmas from my husband.

I found this book to be an easy read. I was not crazy about the layout, which has many paragraph separations but I got used to it. The author begins with his own story of how he became convicted that the "hurry" lifestyle of our culture is not the way of Christ. The main verse that he quotes is...

"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)

The author discusses how this is an invitation for all of us stressed-out, burned-out, tired people behind on their to-do lists just to make it through the day. He says that if you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus. (pg. 82) Jesus realizes that the most restful gift He can give the tired is a new way to carry life, a fresh way to bear responsibilities. He offers us a whole new way to bear the weight of our humanity: with ease. With Jesus doing the heavy lifting, at his pace... slow, unhurried, present in the moment, full of love, joy, and peace. (pg 88)

The author goes on to discuss Jesus' life and lifestyle as presented in the Gospels. He was not stressed out, he did not snap at others, he was not in a hurry. His schedule was full, but he never came off hurried. He was constantly interrupted, yet was not agitated or annoyed by them. Jesus commonly woke up early and went off to a quiet place to be with his Father. You don't read stories of Jesus out shopping, grabbing the latest sandals or new clothes. He spent time with people. He shared meals with them. Jesus put on display an unhurried life, where space for God and people were his top priorities. Because he said yes to his Father, he said no to many other countless invitations. (pg 92-93)

John Mark Comer breaks down getting rid of the fast pace of our lives in four major areas: Silence and Solitude, Sabbath, Simplicity, and Slowing. How many of us really allow times of total silence to our day? I know I tend to fill the quiet with music or a podcast. Instead, we could pray more. What if we put down our phones (stop the dopamine hit we get from it) and stare out the window? What if we appreciated nature and God's creation instead of the latest meme? What if we talked to our family at breakfast instead of playing a game on our phone? What if we talked to someone in line or prayed instead of checking our email all the time? 

I found the chapter on the Sabbath to be intriguing. I have decided to be off of my phone as much as possible for the WHOLE day on Sunday. The author actually turns his phone OFF for 24 hours. With my aging parents and being in charge of our church prayer chain, I don't feel like I can turn my phone totally off. But I don't pick it up 34 times either. If someone texts me, I will respond. If someone calls me, I will answer. But I try to REST as much as possible. I take a break from social media for a whole day. I do not play games on my phone. I have found it to be wonderfully freeing. One Sunday I did not look at my phone all day until 7:00 p.m. when I face-timed my oldest daughter. It was so great!

On Sundays, I also try not to work. I do not shop and make others need to work. I am not legalistic about it. I do not send emails for my Tuesday classes. I don't turn on my computer unless I really, really need to. I go to church, do the Sunday crossword, relax, read a book, play games, make a good dessert, take a nap, talk to my kids and hubby, go for a walk, etc., Whatever I find to do that is restful, slow, delightful and worshipful. I slow down to enjoy life with God, who offers everything that materialism promises but can never deliver- contentment. (pg. 169)

I was not one who was caught in the "rat race" of America. But I do like to do things quickly. I walk fast. I type fast. I noticed that I try to wash my hands quickly. Does rubbing them quickly make 20 seconds go by faster? No! I like to drive fast. Pastor Comer addresses this too... drive the speed limit! He talks about many, many ways to enjoy a restful lifestyle. He admits that he has days where he still tries to hurry. Of course, so do I. But then I remember how Christ slowed down to pray. So I will too, as I eliminate hurry from my life.

I hope you will take the time to read this impactful book. I may need to read it again next year!

1 Thessalonians 4:10-11
"I urge you, brothers and sisters... to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life."

Matthew 6:33

"Seek FIRST the kingdom of God..."

Ephesians 5:15-16
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.