Day 3
It is so quiet. Even the wind does not visit today. The pond-on the surface-has not moved. Dragonflies play upon the periphery of the water. My thoughts shift to the knowledge that life teems below the surface, unseen to human eyes. I have allergies-or a cold-“Go away!”, I tell it.
I have plans today-lunch with dear friends from work. I am looking forward to seeing them. So I take an allergy pill, get ready and head out the door. They look beautiful and I am so happy to see their faces. I am told I look rested and so relaxed I look younger and as though I have lost weight. I have. I have lost the heavy burden of a job I no longer enjoyed and dreaded going to each day. I feel free.
I will not see these friends for some time, perhaps years. I do not know. So, I soak in the time spent with them and enjoy every single moment. As I drive out of the town which has been a part of my life for over two decades I feel as though I have read the final page of a well loved book. I’ve closed it, and now sit holding the book in my lap to soak in the words written upon the pages and moments lived over the decades. There have been triumphs and abject failures in these years. Yet, this book belongs to a series. The sequel is yet unwritten. The story is not over. I step into a new beginning, embracing HIS new mercies.
I return to the cabin in the woods. It seems even quieter. How did Jesus dwell in the wilderness for 40 days? Alone!! How did JB (John the Baptist) do it? Or Moses? Have we drifted so far from God’s plan for us? We strive and toil and run here and there-staying busy for busyness sake. We fill the silence with Spotify or Apple Music, television and streaming services, podcasts, and social media-even when we are with others! Many of us have lost relationship-with others and with our God. Perhaps even with ourselves. When I say we, I mean “Me Too”!
There is nothing inherently wrong with these things. But I long for connection. Connectedness. With my Creator and His creation. We were created for it.
But first, here in this place, I am called to pursue HIM, to “Come and See” to “Learn and Rest”. Isn’t this where the Spirit of God can speak to our hearts without distraction-when we are alone with Him? Yes, He can and will speak to us through others, but it is solidified in our spirits when we make being quiet before Him a priority. In a world of busy noise and busy work-FIGHT FOR THAT TIME! Just as Jesus entreated his disciples, He entreats us,
“Come with me privately to a solitary place and let us rest for a while.” Mark 6:31 BSB
In a world filled with anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia and fitful sleep, He says to us:
“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden,
and I will give you rest…learn from me…and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30 NAS
COME! It takes action on our part. “Come and see”; “Come after Me”, “Come up here”
LEARN! Listen and Hear, digest, acquire knowledge through experience, practice, and intimacy.
REST! Refreshment, inner rest, tranquility of the soul
I know without doubt the Spirit of God has called me to this time of silence-a private, solitary place. It is here, in this cabin, by this pond, in these woods, He will grant me rest and transition from one place to another.
And I am grateful.
The Inkwell Collections 