It's too bad I don't live in a more beautiful place. |
I thought I was
going to die.
I was asked to sit QUIETLY FOR 45 MINUTES in the chapel, as part of a class.
My skeptical mind
kicked into panic: Um, is that even possible?
So I tackled the
task as any Type A would: Get some action items. NOW.
I scanned the chapel
for potential activities. Oh goodie, I can
light a candle! Oooh make it 3 candles! And look!
I can scribble a prayer request!
In fact, I will write a novel of a prayer request!
Relief washed over
me as I accomplished my time-killing tasks. I would be ok. Then I glanced at the clock.
Seven minutes had passed.
Uh oh.
Then I remembered that
I brought my journal. Hallelujah! I will write like the wind! I will sketch portraits of my classmates! I will start a grocery list! Oh the possibilities are endless!
Feeling restored,
with a smile on my face, I found an empty seat, made my myself comfortable, and
breathed a sigh of relief as I began to write.
Except…huh. That’s funny.
My pen wasn’t working.
It was working earlier
that day. But now it’s broken???
I sat there for a
second, beyond irritated. Then my
annoyance turned to amusement. In fact, this
crazy lady started giggling in the chapel.
And that’s when I
heard a loving message: Just be with me. That’s all.
So I did. I let go of the need to do, to just be.
I sat there, so
touched by this thought, that tears began to mix with laughter.
That was last
February. Since then, I’ve become much better at slowing my pace, and being
still.
Lately, I’ve been craving
a lot of stillness.
This season of quiet
has taught me three valuable lessons:
1. I like me. I think I’m pretty neat. Sometimes I get so crazy busy with my life,
that forget this very important fact.
2. I learn my most valuable lessons in stillness.
Incredible ideas have arisen during this
time. Most importantly, I have a new
clarity on what I truly need in my life.
3. I can’t hear God in the noise. He wants me to slow down, and enjoy being with
Him.
This week, I invite
you to take some time not to do, but to be.
All men's miseries derive from not being
able to sit in a quiet room alone. – Blaise Pascal
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my
hope comes from him. – Psalm 62:5