Be Still
Hi friends! I hope you are enjoying your summer. I cannot believe it’s almost August! It seems like once we get into a rhythm, things change. I think that’s life sometimes. I have been taking more time this summer to do nothing. That sounds funny, but I am typically always on the go. If I’m not physically moving then my mind is usually going a hundred miles an hour. This summer I have given myself permission to be present with my family and just sit with my kids. To really listen to them, rather than checking emails, cooking, weeding, and the list goes on.
Maybe you already do this, but if you haven’t then I recommend trying it. Growing up I never learned that going slow or being still was ok. I always pushed myself as hard as I could go. I truly believed that if you weren’t going as fast as you could, then you weren’t working. It took me until my 40’s to realize that this isn’t truth.
Friends, God tells us to “Be still and know that he is God.” I’ve written about this before, but there are multiple accounts in scripture where we see Jesus going to be alone to pray. He takes time to be quiet and still. In the world we live in where there is 24 hour access to everyone and everything it can be challenging to get away, but I encourage each of you to spend time with the Lord. Pray about what you should be saying yes and no to.
This Sunday I was helping teach some of the youth. We were talking about John 10: 2-4, “The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” If we don’t have time with the Lord how will we be able to hear his voice? Similarly, if our children don’t get time with us, then how can we expect them to listen to our voice. Sisters, whether you have children or not I know there are people that look up to you. We all influence someone even if we don’t realize it. Take time to be intentional. Make sure those you love know it.
Heavenly Father, how I love to be still in your presence. Thank you for the peace that comes with that. Lord help us to know your voice. We don’t want to miss anything you have for us. We love you. In Jesus name, Amen.