Take Your Time

The heart-shaped message greets me every time I walk to my daughter’s home. Three little words packed with meaning. Take Your Time. 

I remember hearing that as a child when my clumsy little hands cleared the dishes from the dinner table: Take your time—or you’ll break something.

Then in first grade, Mrs. MacArthur would softly say, “Take your time, Karen. Color more slowly and you’ll stay in the lines.”

Upon receiving my driver’s license, Dad cautioned,  “Take your time and you’ll never get a speeding ticket.” True then, true now.

Take your time,  my college professor advised, as I pondered my career choices.


I put the groceries in the trunk and then slid into the driver’s seat. I looked over at my daughter. “She’s almost done.” my daughter said as her newborn finished eating. 

Without really thinking about it, I said, “Take your time.” There it was again, the little heart shaped sign making its point.

We waited together in a busy grocery store parking lot. We were taking our time, watching others take theirs. 




The difference though, is that when you really take your time, you tend to remember it more. Like a special shared moment with my daughter and granddaughter. 

Take Your Time—it’s not just about slowing down, but holding special moments close to your heart. A heart-shaped sign, a new baby, and God’s infinite design remind me to take my time so I don’t miss a thing.



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