Ministering to younger generations is important, but working with older people will teach you the importance of slowing down

When she was ordained, Rev Dr Anne-Louise Critchlow wasn’t looking forward to visiting care homes as part of her work, but in doing so she learned to value time.

Why is it important to slow down? I believe because rushing around, we can get so stressed and anxious, that we have no inner peace and can easily miss the ways in which the Holy Spirit wants to nudge us and discover how we can be used in the Kingdom of God.

Most appreciate us when we have time to listen to them; and when we genuinely empathise with them and feel real compassion, like Jesus did when he met with people. Taking time brings beauty into our lives because we have time to appreciate our natural surroundings, even in the park up the road. Think about a country walk, rather than a mad dash in our car!