Anyone else here struggle with being still? I mean, seriously. We live in a society that equates stillness with laziness. And for good reason; people are either out there accomplishing things or... they're not! You're a go-getter or... not. And on the home front there are to-do lists in plenty; cleaning, cooking and a fifth load of laundry and somehow you're supposed to squeeze in a work out? The dog needs brushed and those darn weeds aren't picking themselves and has it already been a whole week since I scrubbed you, toilet?
And we go-go-go and we do-do-do in attempts to keep up or maybe just get caught up. It seems downright silly to sit down for a second and breathe. Moments spent lingering in the chair, watching the sun dip below the horizon, appear almost wasteful.
The truth is that there is an enormous difference in doing nothing and deliberately quieting yourself in order to appreciate the moment at hand. I'm supposed to be learning this simple truth right now. Unfortunately, I'm struggling with slowing myself long enough to listen to the Teacher. But His message is unrelenting in the most graceful of ways. His words are everywhere I turn and I'm starting to pay attention.
'Be still, and know that I am God.' Psalm 46:10
'Be still, and know that I am God.' Psalm 46:10
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:24-26
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It's not just about consistent quiet times and being deliberate about prayer, although those need to be priorities! Jesus wants me to soak up every last drop of goodness that He pours into my days. Lick the plate clean, lean back in my chair with a contented sigh- that kind of savoring is what He desires! And I've been challenged to count blessings, moments; the gifts that come in every shape, size and color. Fresh lettuce from our own garden. Fingernails dirty from a morning of play! Laundry to fold, fresh and warm against my hands. Hard working husband home for the evening. Laughter and tears and every single chance to 'train up our child'. There's homemade kettle corn, teasing from my best friend and the torrential rain pounding on the roof and I'll miss the beauty of it all if I don't.stop.rushing.
Haste makes waste. This is what I struggle to comprehend: it's in the pausing and taking time to be still that I actually gain time. This doesn't make sense to the world, but not many of Jesus' teachings do. He says we need to lose our lives if we want to save them! [Matthew 16:25] He says the last will be first! [Mark 10:31] And he says that in him we will live, even though we die. [John 11:25] I want to wrap my mind tight around these truths and live them out in my here and now. The wind whispers through the trees and the stars twinkle and my Papa is calling, 'Slow down, Daughter. In Me you have all the time you need..'
Wow! Did I ever need this inspiring word from you. I get so busy doing all the things that I come up with, (weeding the garden, working on yard projects, many times wasting my time with things that don't matter) but often leave the most important until last or many times it gets left out all together. Lord, forgive me. Why do other things always seem more important? Why do we allow them to become more important than our time with our Lord. I'm sure the devil loves it when we allow this to happen and our dear Heavenly Father is probably in tears once again when we have forgotten to even say hello or good morning to Him. Lord teach me to prioritize correctly. Love you Bethel. Keep looking up and thanks for your words that always inspire me. Mom
ReplyDeleteI completely resonate. Definitely encouraging to know I am on common ground and a good reminder to stay motivated in seeking what this needs to look like in my/our life. Plus... can I say....that little guy of yours in sooooo cute! Just seeing pictures of him makes me smile. Soak that cuteness up for me.
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