The morning times that I set aside for silence, listening, or reading somehow got taken by something else this week. And, on a morning when I wanted to stop and walk, I didn't. I went on in to the office. Yes, there have been things that needed to be done in the work and ministry, yet, I know all too well that if I'm not taking care of myself-- body, soul, heart, and mind-- then I am no good to any one.
Yesterday the message kept coming "be still and know that I am God". I listened and obeyed. I spent some time yesterday being still and listening.
In that time, I felt the nudge to share that lesson as the devotion at the team meeting, so I created the hourglass "be still and know" from Psalm 46:10 that I had used before and printed some copies.
In searching my computer for "be still" yesterday I found a picture I had created from a family vacation in 2015. The beach always brings peace to my soul. I now have at least a couple of verse pictures from different locations.
This morning I shared the "be still" verse and hourglass devotion with a friend as I had my "chair time" and decided later to post on social media with these thoughts/instructions:
"Find a place to be, to sit, to be in a hammock, or whatever works for you. Take a few deep breaths. Read slowly. Rest with God for a few moments when you are done. Repeat as needed."
I stopped at Wired Coffee Bar for some reading and writing time this morning. Guess what I found on the white board in the back room?
This morning before I left the house I spent some time outside. The winds were blowing, there was thunder rolling in the distance. Hummingbirds were coming to get food. Two hummingbirds were fighting at one point. I didn't get as much time as I wanted due to the impending storm and my need to head out, but it was a start.
I am continuing my time today at Wired Coffee Bar, where I will also spend time reading Eugene Peterson's The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction that I started yesterday. It is about being unbusy, subversive, and apocalyptic. Being unbusy is something I strive to do and be, but it is a battle. I will likely be sharing what I learn as I read.
What will you do today to slow down, to make yourself take time to be still?
Blessings on your journey!
Debra
