The Art of Being Still
Friday, May 29, 2009
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Rise early before the family. Start a load of laundry, make the kiddo's breakfast, kiss hubby good-bye as he walks out the door. Fold that load of laundry, wash the breakfast dishes, and sit out the chicken so that it can thaw for dinner. Encourage the children to do their chores and get them started on their school work. Then, clean the bathrooms, dust the living room, and vacuum the entire house. Drive the oldest child to art lessons and the middle child to soccer. Pick up hubby's dress shirts from the dry cleaners and don't forget to stop by the store on the way home because you're out of toilet paper. Do all of this BEFORE lunch, because there is another list to tackle in the afternoon.
Let's face it- our lives are busy, very busy; if we're honest, maybe even too busy. I dare say that we have lost the art of being still. We are constantly on the go because there is always something that HAS to be done.
God's Word clearly tells us to be still before Him recognizing Him as the sovereign God of the universe. Being still before the Lord literally translates to mean that we are to relax in His presence letting go of the worries and duties of the day and focus our attention on Him.
I encourage you today to carve out time to be still before the Lord basking in the glory of His holiness and splendor.
When I began to study the Hebrew roots of Christianity, I came across a book called, "Sabbath Keeping: Finding Freedom In The Rhythms Of Rest" by Lynn Baab. The book didn't get into a philosophical or theological debate about keeping a Sabbath, but it opened my eyes to know how little we put into practice what God gave AND blessed for our benefit. I think us homeschool moms are especially guilty because we have an "if it is to be it's up to me" menality. Even as I write this I'm wondering when I will have time to actually rest tomorrow evening! LOL!
Blessings!
Jennifer, not only is your photo captivating, but your post is incredibly convicting. It is true. Stillness is an art form, and many of us do not appreciate the value of it. Thanks for the reminder today.
Jenifer, I totally agree with what you're saying, but I'm stuck on something: You can get that much done before lunch? Yikes. Makes me feel lazy for sure! I know, I know -- that wasn't the point.
It is difficult to be still! I think of Martha and Mary. Mary was doing the greater thing ... sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Jenifer,I love the verse that tells us to "be still and know that I am God". It is also one of my husband's favorites.
We are retired, and we still have to remind each other that it is time to "be still", and pray or have devotions.
It is such a refreshing time when we spend it in His word, or in prayer together. I know you were probably thinking of young, busy mothers when you wrote this post,..and yet I would like to add that everybody needs to have times of stillness,...alone, and even as a couple.
Blessings!
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits
I really needed to hear this post!
Great reminder. I am going home to be still this afternoon before the frenzy of the Grands descends upon us. It will be a time of great refueling!
Psalm 46:10....one of my favorite verse!! And, goodness I was tired just reading that first paragraph of your day :)
Oh yeah, we are busy, but do we realize that we are busy because we choose to be busy? Alot of stuff I do can be cut out and I wouldn't miss. However, I sometimes get caught up in what others think about my staying at home and "not doing anything," so I fill my schedule.
Silly girl!
smooches,
Larie