Y From the Heart A Time to be Still
I’m writing to you this month from a place in my home, from which I’ve never written. I’m now wondering why I didn’t discover it the moment we moved in six and a half years ago. It’s perfect! We’re in the final stages of home renovation and storage solutions. If you’ve gone through this, I can hear your groan of sympathy.
At this point, we’re erecting stoage and we’re in the final stage of “clearing out.” Every room, every closet, everything that sits on the floor is getting the once-over. Purging even more since our last purge in July when we sent at least twenty bags of items to local charities. Where does all this stuff come from? As I open up my buckets (huge Rubbermaid storage containers) which house items that I haven’t seen, used or needed for the past eight months, I can easily get rid of a good majority.
We’re simplifying. And spring cleaning, I guess I can call it now that we are officially in spring. I love springtime in the desert! My favorite season used to be summer, until I moved out here. Now spring is truly a reminder to me that God makes all things new.
Last Saturday I felt so tired, I thought I’d take a nap. On the way to my bed, my eyes fell upon a book (Any Child Can Write by Harvey Wiener) that I’ve wanted to re-read for awhile. Instead of a nap, I grabbed that book and headed outdoors. I sat in a cozy, shaded lounge chair with my feet up, breathing in the smell of the orange and lemon blossoms. A light breeze kept the temperature just right. I combed through that book for over three hours. My only interruption was the mockingbird that sung eight different tunes (yes, I counted them!). He continually flew from a eucalyptus branch in our yard over the fence to our neighbor’s yard – back and forth he flew, for hours, chatting away.
I’m an outdoor girl. Mountains, clouds, the moon, birds, and all kinds of critters – they fascinate me. I could watch them all day long. I also observed the cutest little hummingbirds – Hummy and Mrs. Hummy -- Tiffani named them when she was three. J Mrs. Hummy sat still on a branch in the same eucalyptus as the mockingbird. And the brilliant green Hummy would buzz by her and off they’d both go like miniature fighter jets. She’d land there again and again. They’d play the same game over and over. I had to giggle each time they did a fly-by. Praising God for His wonderful and diverse creation.
After those three hours I came back into the house completely refreshed, having taken some much needed time for myself. Evidently, I hadn’t been physically tired, only mentally. My soul needed a little refreshment.
What refreshes you? Beyond your regular Quiet Times and the hope of salvation He’s promised, what has He provided for you specifically in this life on earth that gives you refreshment? Think about it. Jot a few things in a journal. Reading and writing refresh me. Being outdoors. Having a simple tea-time with Tiffani around 3-ish when we remember! Listening to Tiffani play the piano. Time alone with Jeff. Take time to stop what you’re doing. Be still. “Be still, and know that I am God...” Psalm 46:10 exhorts.
Feeling frazzled? Pulled in too many directions? Need to cut back? Searching for the ‘perfect’ teaching materials? Not enough time to spend with the Lord? Not enough time to care for the people in your life? Not enough time to care for your home? Be still. Enjoy His creation. Listen for Him. Smile, laugh and giggle. Cry at the magnificence of it all. Tears of joy. Find the joy in being His child. Regain your childlike faith, your childlike enthusiasm. Take a break.
As mothers we are useless if we are torn in too many directions. We feel guilty if we’re not “eating everything on our plate.” Who’s in charge of filling our plates? As Christian mothers we know our priorities… our Lord, then our husband, then our children. And the Lord will help us prioritize after that. Come to a place of refreshment. Recognize when you need to be refreshed, so life doesn’t become so overwhelming. Say “no” when you know you must. Little by little, organize your home, your schedule and your life, so that when you are called to ministry and other opportunities outside your home you can evaluate them honestly.
So here I am, sitting in my new favorite indoor writing spot. A just-discovered space, a little nook by the sliding door in our bedroom, which now houses our old Lazy-Boy and a lamp. I love it! I can see the hibiscus and the roses blooming and hear the fall of the water in the fountain. It’s the new favorite place of two other family members, as well. Last night I found our kitty, Tyler, completely sprawled out on his back on the chair. And today Tiffani spent her reading time in it. I think we’ll be sharing this chair quite a bit. I’ve moved my Quiet Time basket close and I know it will be a special place for as long as the Lord allows us to live here.
I pray that you have (or find) a special place. And time to be still and hear His voice.
Lovingly in His service, Traci J