What's the Hurry?

Why do we live at such a relentless pace? Drawing on Christian Smith, Ecclesiastes, Jesus' first followers, and Dallas Willard, I explore the spiritual root of hurry and the restless desire that drives us from one thing to the next. The problem may not be our schedules. It may be what we're seeking.Spiritual Practice: What Am I Really Seeking?Each day this week, pause once or twice when you find yourself reaching for something: your phone, a snack, a purchase, a distraction, a task, a piece of news, or even a conversation.Before acting, ask yourself:* What am I hoping this will give me?* What deeper desire lies beneath this desire?* What am I really seeking right now?Don’t judge your answer. Simply notice it.You may discover that beneath the desire for productivity is a desire for significance. Beneath the desire for entertainment is a desire for joy. Beneath the desire for reassurance is a desire for peace. Beneath the desire for attention is a desire to be loved.End the day with a brief prayer:“Lord, help me recognize the deeper desires of my heart. Teach me to seek in you what I so often seek elsewhere. Lead me into the life for which I was made. Amen.”The goal is not to eliminate desire. Desire is part of how God created us. The goal is to notice where our desires are leading us—and whether they are carrying us toward the Infinite or merely from one finite thing to the next. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jakeowensby.substack.com/subscribe