After the kids were in bed, I fumbled around for camping lanterns in the garage so I could go inside and finish the projects I had planned to do. I had the door open to let in more light to help me in my search. In the whisper of the wind, I felt an invitation.
I resisted at first, for I had plans of my own. But the invitation persisted, as did the feeling that I was ignoring the One who beckons me to be still. So I slipped on a jacket and walked barefoot to a front porch rocker. As my mind settled, I began to notice sounds:
A car on the highway distant.
Birds singing the day to sleep.
A dog's faraway greeting.
The wind rustling the leaves.
Tree frogs in the woods.
Quiet. . . .
My heart's thoughts.
The peace of the stillness led me to really see:
The clouds' long, slow march to the sea.
The last pink glow of the sky dimming.
The stars appearing by name.
Trees dark against the dusk.
A spider spinning.
The dim light of fading day revealed what the glaring lights I live by had caused me to miss.
And I realized that God sees and hears
that star,
that spider,
that wind,
that heart's thoughts.
What is man that you are mindful of him? (Psalm 8:4)
And in being still, I KNOW.
And I wonder why I've not done this in so long.
The porch lights flash on. I get up and shut off their glow
. . . to rest in His.
20 comments:
I got goosebumps and a tear as I read...
Thanks for sharing such a timely reminder
I miss that silence of life away from the town. I enjoy that every time I go home. It is amazing to see the stars and hear the silence!
be still & know........always so much more to know...hugs
You painted such a beautiful picture! I love the quiet of the sunset when the world seems to take a long deep breath. For a few moments time slows just long enough for you to take it all in. What a great post!
One of the things I miss about mom and dad's is the big backyard and the being out of town. It's so hard to find that quiet time living in town.
Oy. This is a beautiful post.
We live in the city and do not get thequiet and peacefulness you speak of here. Although, I do find it in other ways. My sister moved to a large property she calls 'the farm.' She talks about this feeling quite often, but never put it so eloquently. I'll tell her she has you to thank for my new found understanding.
www.lovemedaily.com
Oh yes, I really like this post! How easy it is to get busy and push aside the time we need to take to be quiet and rest in God's truth. I think it's John Piper who said, 'God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.'
What a beautiful quote, Cranberry Morning! Thank you for sharing that!
I popped over from BlogNTweet. What a beautiful way you have of putting things! I definitely have a great appreciation of gifted wordsmiths, & you are certainly one of them. Bless you! :)
beautiful!
That is such an awesome feeling. I have been struggling lately with the ability to just be still and quite and listen to His voice. I get so distracted by all the sounds and the junk running through my mind. I end up giving up to early sometimes because either my husband or son just 'need' me at the moment. One day I will put myself in the position just shut everything else out until God says that I am ready to go back.
I love this post...brought me such calm and peace. He is good!!
~melody~
Beautiful post! Visiting from SITS!
This probably sounds very "stalkerish", but I just found your beautiful blog because I commented after you on Melody's blog (6 ft. over). I love the design of your blog, but more importantly your love for the Lord and your family! I'm following you so I can get to know you better! Have a great Monday! =)
Beautifully written!! Blessings!!
Thank you. Blessings to you!
OH. MY. WORD. You absolutely must submit this somewhere. It is beautifully written! Girl, you have some major writing talent!
Isn't that so true? I almost NEVER still and silent - it's one of the things I miss this most while in this season of motherhood. I've had to redefine what I think of to be "still and quiet" and accept that I can do this inside my head even when it's not so "still and quiet" in my house. He meets us anywhere we beckon Him.
Lovely, lovely, dear. I enjoyed it oh so much...
Natalie at Mommy on Fire
http://www.mommyonfire.com
ahhh. love this. isn't it SO worth it?! He is SO meek in the invitation, and yet no less worthy or majestic because of it. there he waits. every moment. I am SO glad you took that moment with Him.
thanks for sharing it with us...
amy in peru
That is just beautiful! Although I know He is Omnipresent, it is only when our souls are quieted that we can truly acknowledge it!
Thank you for sharing. i also love the country. There is something about nature that draws our hearts to His. "All creation speaks His Name!" Must be it!
Gorgeous! Getting to a place of stillness always helps me to recognize the love in my life. You described it so well. Love this post!
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