"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD"
When I was growing up, there were times when my father would come running into the house, yelling, “Come quick! Come quick!” We would run outside to see the V formation of geese flying overhead, hearing their honking cries to each other as they flew.
When I was older, and living on my own, I remember stopping to fuel my car at a gas station when the geese flew over. Momentous event!!! Look up!!!
I was the only one who did.
When I was a young mother, I read advice that said we should keep an easy diary by watching all day for one good and special thing to happen that made us glad—and to write it down. This would keep us from focusing on the sometimes frustrations or drearinesses of a daily grind. Here are some of the entries I wrote at that time:
Watched a mole scamper across the snow back to his hole by the culvert.
Sold our old carseat for more than we paid for it.
The bank almost gave me the wrong amount of money today!
Heard coyotes this 5 AM as I was nursing the baby.
Found out Isaac Asimov has written another Foundation book and I didn’t even know about it!
We sat on the front steps in the evening.
Went to Newton while realtors showed the house. Went to Sirloin Stockade to eat, but walked out because prices were too high. Went to Wendy’s, but there were 2 busloads of kids eating there. Went to Burger King and saw a pair of eyeglasses that had been run over in the parking lot. We ate there.
Saw two old men in Speedo swim suits waiting to cross the street.
Saw a dead muskrat in the parking lot of Walmart!?
We need to watch for those times and stop our busy-ness for a minute, savoring it as it passes by. When the children are out in the rain with their yellow boots and umbrellas, pause at the window and drink them in with your eyes; store that scene in your memories. When a snowflake catches on your dark coat sleeve, stop walking and really LOOK at how it is made.
Stop and smell the roses
Wait and watch the geese pass over
Really run to catch the falling leaves
Pause and listen to the children’s laughter in the other room
Slow down and see the humor of a situation
Relax and read the signs of spring
Stand and see (as I did yesterday) the two old ladies in identical and wild fur coats and hats—one with blue pants, the other with pink
Fabulous reminder, thank you! So often I get wrapped up in what needs to be done and what I won' t have time to get done that I forget to enjoy the gifts God gives each and every day in the simple things.
ReplyDeleteThese are great examples of living in the moment! I saw that you stopped by my site, and I wanted to say, "Hi!"!!
ReplyDeleteNice to "meet" you!:)Kat
Yes, and living slower and with more appreciation will make us healthier, too! Today I saw four red-headed woodpeckers at the same time. I don't think they like each other very much, though. **grin** ~M.E.
ReplyDeleteAh, I love those examples. Each one has such a story, such images for you. They aren't just sentences. They are whole movies.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post. I remember walking on the beach at Jekyl Island years ago, and storing up the sounds and smells and the feel of the sand in my toes. Didn't realize then how therapeutic such moments are, but I do now. It's too easy to get into one of those grit your teeth modes when you're just wanting life to get to the next stage or season as quickly as possible. Thanks again for your thoughts!
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