Learning to be Still

Hello all,

I’m happy to say that this has been a pretty “normal” week, at least compared to the past few weeks. Tony’s done with his 39-round set of radiotherapy sessions, and so we no longer have to drive to the hospital every day. Actually, that was a blessing in itself, since under the present lockdown, we’re not supposed to leave the house except for “essentials”, which includes food and medical care. And now, those restrictions are being lifted a bit, so that we can actually drive as far as Brisbane to see Chris and Nicki. Also, some of the recreation areas are opening up, provided we can keep the social distancing rules. Yep, this week, we can honestly say, “Life is good’

But if you know me, that you won’t be surprised to hear that I’m still feeling a bit restless. My sister and I were raised on a mountaintop in Colorado, and didn’t have a lot of chance to get out, except for church and school. One would think a background like that would result in two girls fairly content with a quiet homelife. Ah … nah. It seems the both of us couldn’t wait to fly the coop, seeking anything and everything that offered a bit of fun and excitement.  To this day, both of us are at our happiest when we’re surrounded with a noisy crowd while preoccupied by plans for the next trip.

 

I have to confess, this drives Tony nuts. It’s not that he doesn’t like people; it’s just that he’s energized by time alone, while I on the other hand am energized by people. If Tony is a Golden retriever, I’m an otter.


Well, as it turns out, we don’t have any big trips on the planning board, because so far at least, we can’t even leave the state of Queensland, much less Australia. Even weddings and funerals are either being postponed or at least trimmed to seven or less participants.

And of course that includes birthdays. Here I sit, looking at the BIG 7_0 bearing down on me, and it looks like it may come and go with little more than a sigh. Looking at our options, there’s really not much we can do to celebrate, so instead, I’m trying to learn to just be STILL.

“And how’s that going?” you ask.

Hmmmmm……….. some days are good, some days I spend doing like I did as a little girl, reading and looking out the window. Or as the little boy told his Daddy, “I’m sittin on the outside but STANDIN on the inside!”

 

The other day, in the midst of one of my fugues, I finally decided to look at my Bible. What does it have to say about fidgety people? David came to mind.


Yeah, what was he doing on the ROOF that afternoon when he should have been running the country? One can imagine that he was struggling with adventures long past with no sign of any new ones on the horizon.  

 
Keep in mind that David wasn’t exactly raised on a mountaintop like I was, but he probably did learn at a young age how to entertain himself. I think he was mostly alone as a child, unloved by his brothers, left to the care of the sheep. A glimpse of his personality can be seen in Psalms 62, staring with verse 5,  

“For God alone, O my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.” 

And then in verse 11 he continues, “Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God and that to You, oh Lord, belongs steadfast love."  

 

I’m told this is an example of Hebrew poetry writing style. “Once God has spoken, twice I have heard…” This is simply a way of saying, “Hey this important; listen up!”

And what we hear in this passage are the two words: Power and Love. These are two things that are never in short supply when it comes to God. And no matter what I happen to be doing, right choices, bad choices; looking for trouble, waiting for peace … God’s Power and God’s Love surrounds me, keeping me on an even keel, if I’ll just take the time to look around and see Him at work: around me, in me, through me.  

 

I don’t know about you, but what a wonderful reminder that God has is with me every day of my life, before my life even began. Whether I’m seeking His face in daily quiet time, or escaping from lockdown, intent on whatever my hand finds to do, He’s there to urge me back or cheer me on, depending on His Will.

Wherever you find yourself this week, I pray that you’ll sense His Presence.

May your days be peaceful and fun, and may the two never conflict with each other!

 

Marsha

 

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