Just Sit & Be.

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]