Be Still and Know That I Am God

As I open up my Denver Book of Prayer, today's reflection asks this question: "How can I be still in God's presence?" I sit, close my eyes, and hope that I'm still. Immediately struck with the image of me sitting in a forest, surrounded with crisp autumn air, a morning mist, and the sounds of animals waking, I feel my body relax. Only then do I notice the hum of my computer fan, and I'm pulled out of my peaceful "happy place" and the question knocks on my heart, asking, "why can't I be still?"

And my inner, quiet, little insecure child's heart says, "Because I'm not comfortable enough to do it alone." You see, I'm a confident woman, who can boldly proclaim things, and people follow. But when people don't follow...when I'm alone walking in the wilderness...I waver. Every. Single. Time. As I pondered this shattering reality, it occurred to me that when I'm in the forest or a glad or something where nature surrounds me, I'm comfortable being still and letting God be God. I'm comfortable because I'm not alone in the "be and let be" attitude. Everything around me proclaims God's glory, majesty, power, creativity, beauty, excitement, life, and wonder. I'm not alone in being confident or boldly proclaiming these things (and more) because everything and every being around me agrees.

How does one take that security, and translate that into the everyday loud, obnoxious, humming, bleeping, crazy, mach 5 world that we live in? I don't know. But I hope today, I might get glimpses of that. Will it be enough to know that out there, creation still agrees with me that God is God? I think so. When in doubt, I suppose I can just quickly shut my eyes and go to my happy place.

With the Encouragement of MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER (MBS)...

I will begin writing more regularly.

Thank you dear one!

Not too long ago, after fumbling for my keys in my very full purse, I locked myself into my office. And then I sat here.

In silence.

Staring at my computer screen, jaw hanging open, eyelids fluttering shut.

I realized I was tired.

So I did some work for our business, briefly chatted on the phone with the love on my life, and then sat some more.

It's amazing, how sitting in silence, can have such a different effect on a person, depending on the circumstances. Really.

Take, for example, today. After spending an afternoon teaching, engaging with others and pouring out myself so that our fabulous business colleagues can grow and develop their own business, I'm just completely tuckered out. I'm so tired, I can barely keep my eyes open. In fact, my eyebrows are working overtime to pull my lids upward so that I can peek through my lashes in order to verify that what my fingers are typing is in fact showing up correctly on the screen. In this situation, this time is somehow allowing me to get in touch with a loud signal that my body has been apparently trying to tell me - that I should go to bed.

On other days, quiet times allow me to re-energize, calm down, think clearly (which usually involve some form of fitness), reflect, and pray.

What do times of silence and solitude do for you?

I'm curious.

I'm also a bit too fuzzy-headed right now to write anymore. :)

Goodnight dear friend. I hope our journey together is fun!