Yesterday, as I was walking around the house trolling for weedlets in the mulch, I stopped short in surprise at this camellia bush. How in the world had this bright green new shoot shot up so quickly without me seeing it yesterday? The contrast of its bright color and verdant youthfulness caused me to snap a picture (and have a little fun editing it using Instagram).
As the day went on, I kept thinking of this random shoot and how my spirit felt a little like it had sprouted a bright green shoot of its own this summer. We had an abundance of time this summer. So much freedom to play, read, think, talk, go, rest, and enjoy. We had predictability, regular home-cooked family meals and weekends at home to get things back in order. My joy for life shot out its own bright new shoot and I felt like our little family flourished.
Now school has started and we have four different soccer practices a week plus two games each Saturday. How can I keep my green shoot from fading and drying up like fall leaves? How can I keep the family home-cooked meal time when there is lots of driving to be done? When will the kids have time to just hang out, play in the forest and scooter up and down the block?
I happened to open Jesus Calling to this passage today and it spoke to my worried heart:
Trust Me in the midst of a messy day. Your inner calm ---your Peace in My Presence---need not be shaken by what is going on around you. Though you live in this temporal world, your innermost being is rooted and grounded in eternity. When you start to feel stressed, detach your self from the disturbances around you. Instead of desperately striving to maintain order and control in your little world, relax and remember that circumstances cannot touch My Peace.
Seek My Face, and I will share My mind with you, opening your eyes to see things from My perspective. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. The Peace I give is sufficient for you.
John 16:33; Psalm105:4; John 14:27
Can I so easily allow my new spiritual growth to whither under pressure? Can I learn to find the peace in the midst of the busy season? Peace is easy when there are no schedules or obligations. True inner peace cannot be shaken by soccer practices! Instead of trying to control the outer circumstances, I will endeavor to increase my inner calm this fall. Less TV time in favor of more time in the Word of God. Less mindless on-line surfing in favor of more home care, organization and preparation for busy weekdays.
I will keep you posted as to how I am doing this and if it is working!
Now school has started and we have four different soccer practices a week plus two games each Saturday. How can I keep my green shoot from fading and drying up like fall leaves? How can I keep the family home-cooked meal time when there is lots of driving to be done? When will the kids have time to just hang out, play in the forest and scooter up and down the block?
I happened to open Jesus Calling to this passage today and it spoke to my worried heart:
Trust Me in the midst of a messy day. Your inner calm ---your Peace in My Presence---need not be shaken by what is going on around you. Though you live in this temporal world, your innermost being is rooted and grounded in eternity. When you start to feel stressed, detach your self from the disturbances around you. Instead of desperately striving to maintain order and control in your little world, relax and remember that circumstances cannot touch My Peace.
Seek My Face, and I will share My mind with you, opening your eyes to see things from My perspective. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. The Peace I give is sufficient for you.
John 16:33; Psalm105:4; John 14:27
Can I so easily allow my new spiritual growth to whither under pressure? Can I learn to find the peace in the midst of the busy season? Peace is easy when there are no schedules or obligations. True inner peace cannot be shaken by soccer practices! Instead of trying to control the outer circumstances, I will endeavor to increase my inner calm this fall. Less TV time in favor of more time in the Word of God. Less mindless on-line surfing in favor of more home care, organization and preparation for busy weekdays.
I will keep you posted as to how I am doing this and if it is working!
I'm walking right with you on this one, Misty! It's a daily spiritual workout, but I know the benefits will be abundant for myself and my family. What did you once tell me..."Be the peace you want to see." I repeat that phrase several times during my day. Thank you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteBumped onto your space and It's lovely! Following you for more great posts and would like to invite you to join my blog too :) Have a great weekend!
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