Savoring Stillness

I shall miss cold, drizzly February days that give permission to do nothing more than stir the soup and sit by the fire. But unlike the still winter garden that gathers strength for spring, I am chided by inner voices that demand, “Get busy! Do something!” It’s hard to claim fallow time for Sabbath or retreat. The world rarely respects the rhythm of rest.

We greet one another at parties asking, “What do you do?,” rather than saying, “Tell me about yourself.” We reply by rattling off our resumes, as if preparing for a job interview. We ask each other when reuniting in the evening, “What did you accomplish today?”  We respond with a litany of checked off-items on our to-do list.  I never mention the book I read or the nap I took, and I've never had the courage to reply, "I took the day to be with God."

I confess. On afternoons when I knew my answer would be “nothing,” I have hurried through the house before my husband's return spraying air freshener, hoping the scent would leave the impression of time spent cleaning.  I have turned on an empty washing machine hoping the churning sound would suggest activity. I didn't ask, “What is wrong with this picture, or why is it so hard to give myself time to just "be?"

There is a story about a South American tribe who marched day after day, mile after mile, when all of a sudden, for no apparent reason, they stopped walking, sat down to rest for a while, and then made camp for several days before going farther.  When asked why they stopped, they explained. They needed the time of rest so their souls could catch up with them.

The ministry of Jesus models for us the spiritual importance of retreat, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31) He taught the liberating truth that it is God’s care and not our busy striving that sustains our life. Retreat is not just a getaway from chaos, but an invitation to immerse ourselves in the companionship of God.

  

I place another log on the fire and claim this rainy, winter day as a Sabbath day, a day of retreat, a time to wait and listen and rest before God--a time to let my soul catch up with me.  I resist the urge to “be productive,” and I give myself permission to savor the chance to sit at the feet of Jesus and to accept his invitation, “Beloved, come away with me for a while. Be still and know that I am God."


Reflections: 

If someone were to say, "Tell me about you," rather than asking, "What do you do," how would I respond?  

Do I feel guilty if I'm not doing something?

Do I allow myself time to just be, to honor a rhythm of rest? Why? Why not.

Do I ever take time to get away for retreat?  What might that look like for me?

How might God be calling me to Sabbath time?

Prayer Practice:


Breath prayer is the most ancient and gentle form of prayer.  Take a moment to settle into stillness, begin deep, slow, rhythmic breathing. Inhale all that is of God. Exhale all that is not.  When you are ready, breathe in the words..."be still." Exhale..."and know." As you breathe, accept the embrace of God.  Return to breath prayer throughout the day to savor a moment for stillness.

Suggested verses for breath prayer:
Psalm 46:10  Be still/and know
Isaiah 43:1  I have called you by name/you are mine
Isaiah  30:15  In quietness and in trust/shall be my strength
Isaiah 43:4  You are precious in my sight/and I love you
Isaiah 43:5  Do not fear/I am with you