Today was one of those strange Iowa winter warm days. It was
sunny and 40 degrees even though it is January. Now I normally work long days
and get to see the light of day very little which is fine, but that is what
made today extra special. The mother I nanny for came home two hours early with
the exact instructions for me to go enjoy the beautiful day. With extra time
off it would have been easy to start on my never-ending to-do list, but I
decided to take her advice.
So I spent time today sitting on the bank of a little creek.
I took a few pictures and read a bit but most of my time was spent just
sitting. And as I sat there I realized how little I do that – take time to just
sit and be. No agenda. No timeline. I closed my eyes, basked in the light of
the day and listened to the sound of the rushing water. I rested. I reflected.
A year ago I was in the most remote part of Botswana, and
that month was the last time I was able to consistently just sit and be. It was
a month without WiFi and without convenient access to anything other than the
land I lived on. I miss the mornings just sitting, watching the sun over the
delta. I miss the quiet. I miss the peace and rest.
But I cannot go back. I live in America for now and I have
to be more intentional about making space for peace and rest in a fast-paced,
driven culture. When I finally slow down I can hear God so much clearer and he reminds
me of the things in life that are most important.
Remember what comes
first – and keep it first. Be thankful – always. Find joy in the little things.
Love others. Slow down & listen. Just sit & be.
So instead of New Year’s resolutions, these are my New Year’s
reminders. Wherever you are, I pray you would experience the peace and rest
amidst a crazy busy world. Just sit & be.
"Be still & know that I am God."
[Psalm 46:10]
