(not necessarily in that order)
I was out for my morning walk, glanced up at this tree, and came to an abrupt stop.
After all, it’s the height of summer, with temperatures once again approaching triple digits. And yet, there it was — a reminder that summer really doesn’t last forever.
And neither does anything else on this physical plane.
I really, really, REALLY need to remember this.
Every. Single. Day.
My morning got off to a rather rocky start, so I really appreciated the reminder that appeared on my Momentum Dash screen once I reached the office.
Be still.
I don’t know about you, but when I read those words I automatically take a deep breath.
And then my mind adds the rest of the phrase…
Be still and know that I am God.
…and something shifts. Another deep breath and I’m ready to put it all in His hands.
Tonight was the first time I looked it up and learned that this phrase comes from Psalm 46. The whole thing is beautiful.
Psalm 46
1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Dealing with subtle feelings of irritation tonight and not liking the way it’s pulling down my energy.
Time to focus on gratitude instead, which isn’t hard because I’ve got lots and lots to be grateful for!
Which reminds me… I think I’m ready to follow-up on my gratitude tattoo.
A friend responded to yesterday’s blog post about “juggling” with an always appropriate and deeply appreciated reminder:
“When in doubt breathe in, breathe out, and keep repeating.”
Truly excellent advice.
A couple of friends wrote comments in response to yesterday’s post that got me thinking about what self-care is and is not.
True self-care means being gentle with oneself. And it shouldn’t be arduous.
I tend to get caught up in the “doing” part of it all (the food restrictions and physical routines) and forget the “being” part.
Nothing new or surprising about that, but I’m always grateful for the reminders.
A reassuring thought for the day.
A beautiful reminder to give thanks…in all things and for everything.
“Good” or “bad,” it’s all a blessing.
I figure I can’t be the only person who needs this reminder right about now!
Pandemic, fires, smoke, protests. unemployment… all these things will pass, but God changes not. Thank goodness!
(lyrics and audio below; enjoy this encouraging chant)
Saint Teresa’s Admonition
(words adapted from St. Teresa of Avila’s Admonition)
Let nothing disturb you,
Nothing affright you,
All things will pass, but God changes not.
Patient endurance
Brings you to vict’ry.
Once you have God, you’ll want nothing more.
God alone! God alone!
God alone’s all we ever need.
God alone! God alone!
God alone’s all we ever need.