 | ~BE STILL WITH GOD~ ~~~~ I told my husband Roy as I collapsed into my favorite rocking chair Music was playing my dog and cat Were chasing each other and the telephone rang. A scripture from Psalm 46 popped into my mind "Be still, and know that I am God" I realized that I hadn't spent much time in prayer that day Was I too busy to even utter a simple word of thanks to God? Suddenly the thought of my beautiful patio came to mind I can be quiet out there I thought I longed for a few minutes alone with God. Roy and I had invested a great deal of time And work in the patio that spring The flowers and hanging baskets were breathtaking It was definitely a heavenly place of rest and tranquility If I can't be still with God in that environment I can't be still with Him anywhere I thought While Roy was talking on the telephone I slipped out the backdoor And sat down on my favorite patio chair I closed my eyes and began to pray counting my many blessings. A bird flew by me chirping and singing It interrupted my thoughts It landed on the bird feeder And began eating dinner as I watched After a few minutes it flew away Singing another song. I closed my eyes again A gust of wind blew Which caused my wind chimes to dance They made a joyful sound But again I lost my concentration on God I squirmed and wiggled in my chair I looked up toward the blue sky And saw the clouds moving slowly toward the horizon The wind died down My wind chimes finally became quiet. Again I bowed in prayer. "Honk honk," I heard I almost jumped out of my skin A neighbor was driving down the street He waved at me and smiled I waved back happy that he cared I quickly tried once again to settle down Repeating the familiar verse in my mind Be still and know that I am God. "I'm trying God. I really am" I whispered "But you've got to help me here" The backdoor opened My husband walked outside "I love you" he said "I was wondering where you were" I chuckled, as he came over and kissed me Then he turned around and went back inside. "Where's the quiet time?" I asked God My heart fluttered There was no pain only a beat That interrupted me yet again This is impossible I thought There's no time to be still And to know that God is with me There's too much going on in the world and entirely too much activity all around me Then it suddenly dawned on me God was speaking to me the entire time I was attempting to be still I remembered the music playing As I'd begun my quiet time He sent a sparrow to lighten my life with song He sent a gentle breeze He sent a neighbor to Let me know that I had a friend He sent my sweetheart to offer Sincere sentiments of love He caused my heart to flutter To remind me of life While I was trying to count my blessings God was busy multiplying them. I laughed to realize that the "interruptions" Of my quiet time with God were special blessings He'd sent to show me He was with me the entire time. My dear friends God will Always be with you If you let him in your life. ~Author Unknown~ ....jene.... |