Lately, I’ve been asking myself a question that hits a little too close to home: Where has all my time gone?

Maybe you’ve wondered the same. You look up at the end of the day, the week, the month—and wonder how it all passed in such a blur. You had good intentions, but the pace of life swept you along, and the things that matter most were once again crowded out.

This isn’t written from a place of having it all figured out. Honestly, I’m not even close. This article is part confession, part exploration, and part hopeful invitation. I’ve been learning from the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer—a book I’ve read before, but this time around it feels like a wake-up call. It’s helped me become more aware that: we’re all moving too fast, and it’s costing us more than we realize.

Why This Matters

Despite all the modern tools designed to give us more time—apps, automation, instant everything—we feel like we have less. A few eye-opening stats:

• Since 1979, the average American works nearly four more weeks per year.
• Our attention spans are now shorter than a goldfish’s—about 8 seconds.
• The average American checks their phone 344 times a day—roughly once every 4 minutes.

I see myself in every one of them. I’ve used “busy” as a badge of honor. I’ve let hurry steal moments that should’ve been slow, meaningful, and eternal.

So, What’s Going On?

Comer defines hurry like this:

“Hurry involves excessive haste or a state of urgency… it’s a state of frantic effort one falls into in response to inadequacy, fear, and guilt. The simple essence of hurry is too much to do!”

That hit me. Because it’s not just about having a packed calendar. It’s about what’s driving that calendar—fear of falling behind, guilt for not doing enough, a belief that more achievement will finally bring peace.

Here are a few patterns I’m beginning to notice in myself—and maybe you’ll relate:

1. Distraction overload. My phone is always within reach. And most of the time, it wins my attention.
2. Achievement addiction. I like to feel productive. And I often tie my worth to how much I get done.
3. Fear of stillness. I’ve realized silence sometimes feels uncomfortable—so I fill it.
4. Too many yeses. Good things, even godly things, can crowd out the best things.
5. Buying time away. Every new thing I buy doesn’t just cost money—it usually costs time. Maintenance. Upkeep. Energy. And sometimes, regret.

The Spiritual Cost of Hurry

Jesus said:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

But I’ve often lived like the opposite is true. As if His way was heavy and mine was lighter. But the truth? His way is lighter. It’s just slower. More still. More present.

“What you give your attention to is the person you become.” – John Mark Comer

That quote is both a warning and a wake-up call. I want to be the kind of person who’s deeply present, not constantly distracted. Who lives with intention, not just reaction.

Some Shifts I’m Trying to Make

I may be the worst when it comes to hurry, but these are some small (but meaningful) shifts I’m working on:

• Redefining success. Less about checking boxes. More about living aligned with my values and God’s purpose for my life.
• Phone detox. Sometimes, it’s just turning it off for a few hours – or even an entire day. Other times, deleting apps entirely.
• Sabbath rhythms. Protecting time each week to rest, reflect, and just be with God and family.
• Remember my Priorities before saying yes. Does this activity fit into what’s really important to me?
• Practicing presence. Slowing my walking pace. Breathing deeply and noticing the moment. Practicing eye contact and giving full attention to the people around me

“The solution to an overbusy life is not more time. It’s to slow down and simplify our lives around what really matters.” – John Mark Comer

Pause & Reflect

If any part of this resonated with you, here are two questions I’m reflecting on myself:

• What are the “many things” I’ve been anxious or hurried about lately—and what is the “one thing” I should focus on instead?
• If my life is shaped by what I give my attention to, what needs more of my attention right now—and what needs less?

This might be one of the hardest changes I’ve ever tried to make—but I believe there’s freedom on the other side of awareness, and abundance waiting for those willing to slow down enough to receive it. Here’s to rediscovering the joy and peace God freely offers… when we choose to live unhurried.