Nancy taking hammock time
Years ago as I watched my son laying in the swing bench on my mom’s deck, she told me,
“Kids need time to just dream.”
That really has stuck with me over the years. Sitting around and dreaming.
Later in the instant need the answer right now culture, at a leadership training, attendees were encouraged to have regular couch time…
pray, think, process, dream
Emily over at Chatting at the Sky wrote about the sacred work of sitting last week.
Meg taking hammock time, she likes tree climbing & sitting up high undisturbed too
We women feel guilty when we sit. Okay, maybe it is just me. Though often there are exhortations to be a “Mary”, the reality is we are actually expected to be “Martha’s”. Real or imagined, overt or sublime, the expectation hovers over us, over me to the point on some days when I sit, my mind is a whirly bird of activity rushing through without me being able to capture one to ponder.
Scripture exhorts us, encourages us to ponder and meditate.
Our activity social media that we engage in demands promt immediate replies. Don’t get sucked in!
When it is business related, I try to let folks know I got the email and will respond later. A suspense file of sorts.
Blogging can be demanding. I am finding out as I have launched with a renewed purpose and server. This last few weeks have been both busy and heavy with some issues that have needed my immediate focus and attention.
”Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
I needed couch time. Sometimes I nap or lay down to rest. I may read and drift off in the afternoon. That I needed but I also needed ponder time with out a frantic mind rush. I needed to lay my burdens down and leave them there while I sat.
My soul faints with longing for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:81
Nope, I didn’t necessarily pray or wait in expectation for a word from the Lord. I didn’t strategize or plan. I just sat. The Holy Spirit was there too. My comforter. My companion who is supportive and kind and a “nag” when needed. I didn’t need a nag. I didn’t need any more words or thoughts. I just needed to sit. Silence.
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
So I did. Then the peace came. The rescue from the chaos and fear. The sense of failure.
The Peace, His Peace
Those comfort words of Philippians kept coming to my mind and heart in the whirl. Touchstones of knowing Him and His character were flowing in that tangled mess of thoughts trying to get through.
Sit. Just sit.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7
Do you yearn to “sit”? How do you do that?
maybe linking with these great blogs!
http://seespeakhearmama.com/2014/05/17/give-me-grace-on-connecting-the-dots/
I’m right there with you Linda. Years ago I realized my need for quiet mental space. I’d say to my husband…you get to have that every day..even walking to the subway alone affords one the opportunity to be with God. As a stay at home mama that head space was something I craved. Praise God I learned to take it. Sitting in silence with you friend…just being.
Wondering how many of us don;t take the opportunity to be wiht god even in those crowded somewhat anonymous places. Glad you found a way. Blessings, Linda
I’m rite there with you Linda. Years ago I realized my need for quiet, mental space. I’d say to my husband…you get to have that every day..even walking to the subway alone affords one the opportunity to be with God. As a stay at home mama that head space was something I craved. Praise god I learned to take it. Sitting in silence with you friend…just being.
It’s not just you. 🙂 It used to be easier for me to choose Mary’s part, but it’s a battle and tough choice now. Sometimes I confess the Lord has to “make me lie down” through illness or surgery. I’m recovering from one now actually, and being unable to do my usual work for most of the last week has been a blessing. I commend you for leaving things undone to choose the healthy coping and soul-soothing rest the Lord invites. May He clarify, calm, and guide you as you seek Him. (Stopping by from Playdates today)
It takes a major stop sometimes doesn’t it, to slow down. Hope & pray your recovery is going well. Blessings, linda
Oh Linda … I just LOVE me some good hammock time. Especially when the neighbors aren’t mowing the lawn, running the chain saw, riding their motorcycles, letting the dog bark on and on.
Maybe I should move to a desert island?
;-}
Wishing you sweet pockets of silent solitude in these next few days, my friend!
Linda…no need to move!! My daughter puts on her headphones! Sometimes she has a book going, sometimes music. Sometimes nothing!! Have a wonderful weekend with some quiet woven in!