My seasons are changing. Not like, "a new thing is on the way and it's SO exciting". More like, the new thing is that my roots are growing deep and things are settling in...for what feels like the first time.
I've been married for almost 15 years.
I haven't been pregnant in 7 years.
The kids are preparing to begin their soccer season, and ballet classes.
I already know what we're doing for school next year.
I know where we're going on vacation this summer.
I know what I'll be driving for many years to come.
I know what color I'm going to paint the guest room.
I know.
Does it sound crazy to say that all of this is actually very exciting to me? I feel grown up. I feel confident. I feel like I can be still. Be still and know. It's odd for me, because I like change. I like to rearrange the furniture, I like to repaint the walls, I like to go new places, I love to taste new flavors. But lately, I just like being home, being still. Now, mind you, I'm only 36 years old, so I don't want this to sound like I'm throwing in the towel and sitting in a rocking chair, watching the years go by! I'm entering some very busy seasons, but for the first time, maybe EVER, I just feel peaceful. I'm able to be still even while I'm going. I'm leaning into my God, leaning into my family, leaning into my church, leaning into an awareness of the needs around me.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God. I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world."
How can I honor Him if I'm always moving at lightning speed? I like to say that I'm learning to live at the speed of love. I can't honor my God, myself, my family, my church, or anyone else, if I'm just running around and filling my life with meaningless things. All of these relationships are so precious, so very important, that I MUST take the time and make the time to observe them, to lean into them, to let them fill the places in me and in my life that I have purposely decluttered, just for them.
Did you catch that phrase? "Purposely declutter" your life. I'm not referring to that cabinet under the bathroom sink. You'll get to that eventually, so stop beating yourself up over it. I'm talking about the things in your life that you really could do without. Maybe it's a TV show, maybe it's time on Facebook or even just reading something that isn't uplifting to your life. Whatever it is, would you set it aside if you knew that it gave you an opportunity to lean in? A chance to honor your God, by the way you treated His children?
The truth is, this isn't just a new season for me. It's a new season for all of us. Choose your season. Choose to be still and know what it is that honors our Father. Choose to declutter, to make space in your life for one new thing right now. One new relationship. One new volunteer service. One new way to love yourself.
Today's Prayer:
Sweet Father, thank you for your patience with me as I traverse the many hills and valleys that I call life. You've been so good to me and you know me best. Help me to know you better. Help me to be still and know that you are God. That you have my best interest at heart. Give me peace in my purpose. Open my eyes to reach out to those who are in my steady path, my everyday life. Show me their needs and then show me how to meet them. Fill my hands with prosperity and blessing so that I can easily offer it when I see an empty hand. I want to honor you. I want to represent a nation of those who love you, and who send your love throughout the world. Help me to declutter this busy life, and to recognize those things that hinder me. Give me courage to reach out.
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