The whirlwind of summer is now over, the bustle of Christmas is yet to come...situated right in the middle is the stillness of fall.
And yet, the stillness can be a bit more hidden.
Fall weather is anything but still here in the Northwest. Windstorms, hail and incessant rain seems to dominate the clouds in the sky.
However, there are pockets in fall days that are a beacon of stillness. Gently tucked away, in between the storms, a quiet lull can be found.
There is a peace found when watching the steady rainfall on the window. The empty sidewalks once filled with playing children, trees full of both leaves and birds, now empty, quiet -- still.
There is beauty to be found in stillness.
A warm cup of tea or cider...hot chocolate. By nature, these warm and popular fall drinks simply invite sitting, sipping, slowing down.
Yet how many of us actually do so? It's more like "guzzling on the go"!
My challenge to myself this week is to discover these pockets of stillness, (sitting like a treasure awaiting discovery), and then savor the presence of God in the stillness, once found.
Life has a way of bowling right over stillness to the point that it's almost unrecognizable or even valued. To be still, slow down, or pause for a moment could be viewed as crazy or lazy. Or both.
Many days life with my 3 active boys is a far cry from quiet or still and the only slow sipping happening is our baby boy drinking from his sippy cup.
Yet there is a longing -- a craving for it. And an innate need.
When stillness is all too illusive, I've been learning this fall that I can help promote a more peaceful environment -- if I'm intentional.
I resonate with the words from my devotional by Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, last week when she said:
"Quietness is the classroom where you learn to hear My voice. Beginners need a quiet place in order to still their minds. As you advance in this discipline, you gradually learn to carry the stillness with you wherever you go. When you step back into the mainstream of life, strain to hear those glorious bells: I am with you. I am with you. I am with you."
What an incredible promise and truth! He IS with us...in the storms, in the dark (fall) days, (in cold and flu season), when all is loud, crazy and anything but still!
Another thing I've included in our "fall line-up" in an effort to bring more stillness and peace is to have hymns playing throughout our days when we're at home.
I LOVE the Pandora radio station on the internet. It's great to listen to with smart phones, computers and also blueray players that are pre-wired for it. I love that these hymns now echo through my head when I'm out and about, -- my boys are also humming along to these familiar tunes! (Just select "Hymns" for music type, if you'd like.)
www.pandora.com
I also love this beautiful short video clip found on the right side of one of my favorite sites. It's worth clicking on. (Make sure to pause the music under the blog title to hear the video more clearly). It's a reminder of the sacredness of slowing down and savoring life's sweet moments:
http://www.aholyexperience.com/
Today, take a moment.
Take a deep breath.
Unplug.
Slow down.
Take a moment to sip in life and all that God has to offer you right now. In this moment.
Simply.
Be.
Still.
~ I'd love to hear from you! What helps you find and discover the peace and stillness during this otherwise stormy time? ~
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