Ever worked in a condition where everything and everyone seems to be pressing you for answers, and you have so little time before each of the required responses are due? Can't believe Asians are always rushing. Though I'm generalizing, it does seem like many Asians follow this trait of pushing for results and driving much faster than they ought to.

Work life seems to carry with it many expectations to drive for excellence. In the career line, if you don't do well, you lose out. And thus, the dog eat dog world, rat race and paper chase label. Everyone wants to get a bigger piece of the cake, and in doing that, we push others down, and fend ourselves from trouble.

I just read an article yesterday regarding the "slow culture". The Swedes live in such culture, believing that it does help bring about better quality through quality analyzing, response feedback and constructive critism to build toward better. They even have "slow food", where in our culture, everything is fast, where we even need "fast food". And do you know, they would park far away so that they can walk? The late comers will then need to park near (as all those far away car-parks have already been occupied). Missed opportunity to enjoy the morning walk.

It certainly helps to have a balanced culture. I'm sure all of us could use a balance in driving expectations, what comes urgent, what can come later. We certainly need to know how to juggle between what's important to us, life of living with the various needs met by our proper planning.

The Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow, for sufficient is the day's worries. (Matt 6:34) The essence of the message of not worrying is to come back to the knowledge of how much God loves us (verses 25-32). The task (or joy), is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. He will then, add all to us (verse 33).

May the message of His love continue to ring deep in our hearts, to know that life is meant to be lived one thing at a time. Yes, the culture may push for us to drive faster and live in a breeze, but sometimes it's good to just take a break and breathe the air and watch the scenary and all of God's beauty, amen?

Lord God, thank You for giving so much, and caring for us. It is a challenge, no doubt to have to race with the expectations, but teach us to live wisely and redeeming the time because the days are evil. May all our days count, as a blessing to You and to others, for the glory of Your name. In Jesus' precious and holy name, Amen!