Stillness Among the Gardenias
Things I loved about
Charlotte:
lush green trees
gardenias
buzzing bees
(I wrote this when I got into Charlotte, I believe it was my first day there.)
Arrival time and Reflection
After my early morning flight yesterday, I found myself
studying my Bible and reflecting on how I could see God's hand throughout my
journey. It started with the kind lady who let me be, only asking where I was
headed at the end of the flight to Houston. Then, on the leg from Houston to
Charlotte, I enjoyed the solitude of having an empty seat right next to me,
which felt like a little blessing in itself.
Reading and
Reflection
God was clearly urging me to slow down, which is quite a
challenge for someone like me. I tend to be constantly on the move, whether
physically or mentally, and rarely take a moment to rest. My focus is always on
the next task, whether it's work-related or pursuing my passions, like “Chasing
the Wild Goose." If you haven't read that book, I highly recommend it; I
enjoyed it during my moments of stillness on plane flights.
A few months back, a friend gave me a book that stresses the
importance of taking a day off and its deep influence on our well-being. It
emphasizes the need to truly observe a Sabbath day, highlighting how essential
it is for preserving our health and achieving balance in life.
On the pages of “THE WILD GOOSE CHASE” words jumped out
about the importance of REST.
It’s funny because my favorite of all verses in the Bible is
Psalm 46:10
He says,
“Be still, and know that I am God;
Personal
Challenge With Rest
This trip immediately revealed to me how little I actually
rest. What does rest even mean? It’s something I clearly don’t experience
enough. I thrive on routine, and having idle hands and an idle mind doesn’t
suit me at all; I simply can’t sit still. As I type this on my phone while
lying down, I find myself in a state of supposed rest.
My sister Diana typically adheres to a strict schedule, so
when she asked what I wanted to do in Charlotte, I was at a loss. I told her to
surprise me, and she asked whether I preferred a nonstop adventure or a blend
of activities with some downtime. I honestly admitted that I would appreciate
some relaxation.
Nature Walk and Spiritual
Insight
This morning, I took a stroll while wearing my bumble shirt,
walking through her charming neighborhood. The vibrant flowers in the gardens
caught my eye, and I couldn't help but notice the busy bees buzzing around,
diligently going about their work. The scent of gardenias brought back fond
memories of my Mema’s Garden, reminding me of the beauty of nature and the
wonders of creation. In the midst of our hectic lives, it's essential to pause
and appreciate God's goodness. I truly cherish nature, and the presence of the
bumblebees served as a gentle reminder of the importance of stillness in our
lives.
Podcast and Final
Take Away
After my walk, I took some time to relax and tuned into a
podcast by my friend Megan Downs. (Manna for Moms) If you haven't had a chance
to listen to it yet, I highly recommend it! It's fantastic! The focus of that
episode was on stillness, which beautifully was tied to Psalm 46:10.
_______________________________________________________
Rest isn’t a reward, it’s a something I need to lean into
deeper. Charlotte reminded me that slowing down is hard, but necessary. I’m
still figuring out what true rest looks like, but for now, I’m understanding
that with still moments, quiet prayers, and just being in God’s presence is exactly where
I need to be.
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