Last time we met here, I was low. Not depressed or anxious, just lying low. Resting body, mind and spirit, careful to not get caught up in the stress of making Christmas happen but letting it happen in me. I was getting quiet and reclaiming my peace.
You may be familiar with Luke’s story of two sisters. Can you imagine Martha and Mary’s excitement as they prepared their home for Jesus’ visit? I hear Martha banging cabinet doors in the kitchen, frustrated that her sister won’t help. I get it. I’d want things perfect too.
Martha complains to Jesus and we hear his gentle correction: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Mary sets aside the busy-ness of family demands and cultural norms and sits with Jesus. She’s ready to learn and grow her faith.
More than ever, this has become my focus too: Sitting with Jesus.
Sometimes talking, sometimes quiet. Sometimes alone with a cup of coffee watching the sunrise, sometimes with my grandbabies watching them play and chatter and giggle.
Not because I’m super spiritual. It’s the only way to hang on to my sanity. My doing, doing, doing has to be balanced with just being. Being still with Jesus. It makes me easier to live with. Just ask my husband.
Practicing the presence of Jesus is vital. Not as part of a religious checklist but because our lives demand it, don’t they? Staying connected reminds us he’s always with us. He’s beside us in the not-so-beautiful, not-so-happy moments too.
He sees us at our best and our worst and it doesn’t phase him a bit. In fact, he welcomes our raw honesty. Ever read David’s Psalms?
God works with scared, messy, and authentic.
We all have our inner human struggles. Pride, doubt, anger. Regret, low self-worth, loneliness. You name it. Then there’s the outward stuff of life experience that can throw us off-kilter. It’s easy to detach or get distracted. To lose our bearings and run on spiritual fumes. Peace and joy, even our hope, can trickle through the cracks of a broken spirit. And he welcomes that too.
Empty. Numb. Hence, my lying low.
Patient and deliberate focus, to live from my healing and not my hurt was all I had. And all I needed. So, I’m getting some fight back. Slow and steady. I breathe and hold back from jumping ahead. I hear what trickled through the cracks, now flowing in. Jesus, my Living Water. Yes, I think I’ll linger here a while.
My friend, God calls us to spiritual rest. Let’s choose “what is better.” Sitting with Jesus, we find our bearings, our center. If we let him, he’ll bring light and life to any situation. He’s here. He’s got our todays and our tomorrows.
In these weeks leading to Easter and beyond, may we choose well. May we create new habits and deeper connections. I pray the busy-ness in us and around us, our worries and our upsets, will not keep us from The One most needed.
Peace and quiet for your journey.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13
Photo borrowed from Pixabay.com
I enjoy these so much, Robin! I always read your blogs and find them insightful and transparent. Thank you for your writing and God bless your writing skills as He helps you to express your inner thoughts to allow them to bless the hearts of others as they have blessed my heart.
Debbie, thank you so much. I’m so happy you are reading my blog and being blessed! I appreciate prayer for my writing. Especially my book project 🙂 Patience and guidance. I miss your mom. You are an encourager just like she was. Peace and grace to you, my friend.
As always another spirit filled message. I love reading your blog, every message touches my spirit with a message I need at that time. May God bless you always and may you keep touching our hearts. Peace and love my friend.
Hi Sandy! Wow, I thought I’d replied to this already. I’m blessed to hear your spirit is being refreshed. Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to bless me. We are on this journey together, my friend. Love and Peace to you:)