My family made the couple of hour drive up to the Johntson Observetory to see the mountian close up. I scurried around taking pictures. It wasn't until we were back in the car headed toward home that I realized... I'd been so busy capturing the moment forever that I'd forgotten to just be still and enjoy the display of God's mighty creation.
I have a distinct memory as a young child of coming accross my mom sitting on the couch with her eyes closed. Now, I understood that she was a busy lady, homeschooling three young girls, taking care of the house, and helping with the home business. She deserved a rest! I leaned against her knees and offered helpfully, "Would you like me to bring you a book?" She smiled. "No, thanks, I'm just resting."
This was where things got puzzling for me. How could she want to just sit there? Even now in my late 20s when I'm so sick and need lots of rest, I rarely do nothing. To me, resting is sleeping, reading, watching a movie, surfing FaceBook, or maybe quietly sitting outdoors to enjoy nature. Thankfully I can usually turn my busy brain off fairly easily when it's time to sleep, but even that is doing something—sleeping! Even my sleep is not calm. Because of my sleep disorder I rarely get the restorative deep sleep, but instead spend my time tossing and turning in light sleep or experiencing vivid dreams in REM sleep.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; Ps. 37:7a
So it is that one of the negatives of my bubbly personality is that it's difficult for me to just be still before the Lord. This year I've been doing the "read the Bible in a year" program and for the first time in my adulthood I've been succcessful in reading everyday for several months straight. I've always had an easy time praying, singing praises, and chatting with God throughout the day. But just being, just listening and communing, that is more difficult for me.
So this week I'm challenging myself, and challenging you, to set aside some time to just be still with the Lord. Selah.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Ps. 48:10
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12 comments:
Ooohh boy can I relate to this! Being still is HARD - but so beneficial to us, and our relationship with the Lord. Great post, Amy!
This is a beautiful reminder and the view of the mountains is beautiful too. I love this one Amy. I love this verse to! Good job!
Oh, Amy, I sooo relate! Even sitting down long enough to watch a movie with Joe is difficult for me. But I'm trying to learn the "BE Still" lesson. When I take time to become still before Him--my days go so much better! Love ya!
This article is one your best. It's full of creativity with details. One awesome good post dud.
I have so much trouble with this one. Even if my body is still my mind rarely is. I too started a read the bible in year...made it to March. It's something I desire but find difficult.
Diana
www.pencildancer.com
I remember the eruption; the fall-out clouded our weather down here in Southern California!
Ooh...very well said. Oh, and btw, my parents were living (temporarily) in Vancouver when Mt. St. Helens erupted. They had a perfect view of it from where their motor home was parked. My mom always said that, although it was terrible in a lot of ways, it was amazing to have the chance to witness it firsthand.
What a great post! I, too, used to stumble into my mother in a semi-dark living room, just sitting on the couch. I never understood until I had kids of my own!
Blessings to you today,as you are obviously a fellow lover of birds, too!
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to flip a switch and just be still? I could certainly use that! Thanks for the challenge to be still. It's a reminder I need more often than not!
It seems that when I'm reading, attempting to write, even visiting, my mind is always moving to something else that needs my attention. The result is sometimes a temporary paralysis from being overwhelmed. I'm beginning to listen to the quiet voice within that encourages me to relax and enjoy the moment I'm in.
Beautifully written. Thanks for sharing.
yes! This is something that is so hard to do. And it's so important. Thank you, Amy. This has been on my mind too. I need this.
Hugs!
You very nicely described this verse, Amy, in a random, Amy kind of way:) Love it! LUVU:)
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