Still

Whirlwind. Constant treadmill. Semi-controlled chaos.

So often words like this characterize our day-to-day lives, don’t they? Much of the hustle and bustle can be filled with good and fun things.  But sometimes we want to blow our whistle and call a time out.

Lately God has been whispering this recurring theme to my spirit, calling me to slow down the treadmill to a calmer pace.  I love how He uses many things in our lives to reach us…whether it’s time with Him and His word, the words of a friend, or circumstances. He’s used all of these with me in recent days.

Do you too need to slow down? Like me, do you sense a need to not give Jesus just a passing glance during your “quiet” time but sit and rest in His presence, just listening?

Earlier today God used this song by Watermark to get my attention.  I was reminded that even if my schedule isn’t still, I can be in the midst of it.

Have a wonderful day.

Still

The more I get alone
The more I see I need to get alone more, more
Cause just when I think that I’m alone
Your Spirit calls out to me
And even silence has a song
Cause that’s when you come
Sing over me

Still, let me be still
Let me be OK
With the quiet in my heart
Still, I want to be still
I’m so quick to move
Instead of listening to you
Shut my mouth
Crush my pride
Give me the tears
Of a broken life,
Still

Oh this world, it falls around me
And flutters all it’s beauty in my eyes
But let me choose the solitude
Simplicity has always simply changed my life
Cause even stillness makes me move
Cause that’s when my heart
Learns to dance with you

Still, let me be still
Let me be OK
With the quiet in my heart
Still, I want to be still
I’m so quick to move
Instead of listening to you
I’m your child
Tame my heart
Obedience
To me impart
Still

La la la la la, Hold me
La la la la la, Cleanse me
La la la la la, Change me, Oh God
Change me while I am
Still, let me be still
And know that you are God
And you are always enough
Still, I want to be still
To take all that I am
And simply lift it up

Shut my mouth
Crush my pride
Give me the tears
Of a broken life,
Still

The Son

A few years ago I wandered onto the web site of one of my favorite Christian groups. A husband and wife made up the main part of this band.

With a few minutes to spare (surely I wasn’t procrastinating–not me!), their tour diary link caught my eye.  They had posted thoughts about each of their recent tour stops in the U.S.  As I scanned I expected to see summaries on what each performance was like, if there was a good turnout, etc.

I found something very different.

Yes, about ten percent of what was there was about the concerts themselves.  The other ninety percent was about nurseries and playgrounds.  Let me explain…

A lot of their concerts took place at churches, and their toddler son took part in the tour with them.  During the concerts, each church provided people to look after their son. Most of the tour diary was about how their son liked each caregiver, how fun the toys were, and if he tasted yummy snacks.

For a split second I was surprised.  Where were the other details about the tour?  What were the concerts like?

Then I thought about how natural it was for them to focus on their son.  Yes, they enjoyed being one of the top names in Christian music with lots of music sold and a big, fancy tour, but that wasn’t their priority.  Family–namely their son–claimed priority.  What those caregivers did with him and how they treated him was what mattered most to these parents.

Later another thought hit me.  Isn’t that how God views this life?  Sure, lots of things are important to us.  I can rattle off a laundry list (sometimes literally) of “priorities” for each day.  And those things have a place.

But what do I do with God’s Son each day?  Do I pay attention to Him?  Do I chase other things, neglecting Him? Do I focus on His face, letting Him bring other priorities into focus in His time?

In the end, that’s all that matters.

A Capital Fellow

I’m reading a book that’s a portal to a different time and place.  In this world you encounter sabers and surreys, telegrams and people uttering phrases like “a capital fellow.” It’s a turn-of-the-century Sherlock Holmes-ish mystery novel set in London. It’s one of those novels you find yourself savoring and you find yourself sucked into, walking around in its reality.

Mind you, this was written just a couple of years ago by an author from Oklahoma.  It’s fascinating how his grasp on this bygone era’s setting and way of speaking comes to life here and now. Makes me want to put on a plaid cape with a flourish and brandish a pipe.  Well, almost.

I love books, movies–just about anything–that draw you into another world.  It’s your opportunity for your own Quantum Leap.  So if you could choose a different location–just for a visit, where would you go?  What time and place would you choose to visit?

Real Deal

Today is a special day for many reasons. First, it’s my husband’s birthday.  Second, it’s his twin brother’s birthday (surprise, surprise!).  Happy birthday, David and Daniel!

But this year is special for another reason. For David, today marks fifteen years in the ministry.  Hard to believe that time is passing so quickly. As college sweethearts apart for the summer, I remember clutching the phone all of those years ago, hearing him talk about starting his first ministry position that day. It’s likely he heard me grin through the phone line.

The truth is that even before that day he was a minister, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll keep ministering until the day he goes home to heaven, hopefully many, many years from now.

It’s simply who he is. His heartbeat echoes love for God and love for people. One of the unique aspects of being a minister’s spouse is seeing that person behind the scene, day-to-day.  David challenges me constantly through how he lives. He can’t help but praise God constantly. Many late evenings find him effortlessly creating the most beautiful guitar music in heartfelt tribute to Jesus. Many long days find him spending time with a troubled teenager, on a roof somewhere fixing an air conditioner, or offering a caring ear to a grieving person. He’s the real deal. Most people have no idea how much he does for others out of his love for God.  He looks more like Jesus than almost anyone I know.

And his ministry includes our home; he is the most wonderful husband I could ask for.

So, here’s to you, David…I’m privileged to have ministered with you these fifteen years. Here’s to many more!

Relax

(Written this last weekend.)

There are some moments in life that require you to simply sit back and take it in. Nothing else is needed.

David and I have made a quick getaway to Fort Davis, Texas. If you’re not familiar with this part of Texas, it’s far from where most Texans call home. Think of most of the major cities here (Fort Worth, Austin, etc.), tack on five or six hours of driving west from each, and then you’ll be within an hour or so of here. And you think I’m exaggerating.

The landscape is a poster child for what many Americans think all of the state looks like: rugged mountains, vast vistas. The perfect setting for a good ol’ western movie. In fact, the James Dean classic Giant was filmed not far from here. Ironically, most Texans have never been to the so-called Trans Pecos. I’ll own up to it, too; I had never been lucky enough to experience this area until I moved from Texas to New Mexico and then came for a visit. I’m making up for lost time.

Right now we’re on a mountain overlooking wheat-colored plains on one side, mountain valleys audacious enough to claim both edgy wildness and lush beauty on another, a historic military fort, and an incredible observatory. The breeze grazing my cheeks softens the harsh distant thunder in my ears. The scent of rain hangs delicately. The crickets purr their lullaby.

So for now I’ll simply absorb and enjoy.