When the Fog Lifts: Finding Peace in the Stillness

1 Thessalonians 4:11

... and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you...

I was spending time with God this morning. My mind races, it is the constant pace at which I exist. I must discipline myself to rest and seek his peace for my mind and my body. I am sitting on the back porch. The sun is beginning to peek through and the fog lift. I am listening to the birds, bugs, and the quiet sound of nature around me. Yet, I am distracted by the constant ticking of the clock above my head, (video attached) a reminder of all that is to do today, tomorrow, and the rest of the week. My mind begins to focus on the ticking, the lists, the never-ending chores, the work-week ahead. I quickly lost sight of the purpose of my quiet porch morning, time for God, rest, seeking his direction and purpose. I refilled my coffee and just as I do for for my sweet babies to reflect on their actions - time out- (albeit a brief sit for them). I put myself in that same frame of mind, a time-out dedicated to reflect on the peace and rest I so desperately need.

I had a different topic planned for today, but the spirit stepped in and guided my study and today's reflection. Last night I asked God for his direction, to give me peace on some decisions, and plans for moving forward. During my time-out, my phone beeped, (I know, I should have turned it off) it was my Bible App devotion for today, so I opened it. It was just what I needed. The ticking clock, the torture of the to-do list, I was reminded by Paul's letter to the Church, the ambition is to lead a quiet life, mind your own business, and work with your hands.

As I broke down the scripture and looked for the message, I really don't have time to get into other's business, but I am as guilty as the next person when a juicy tidbit is shared on social media. I didn't feel that part of the message was resonating today, perhaps on a different day I would feel convicted because we all fall short. But as I read deeper into the message and the devotion, the focus on a 'quiet life' and work with your hands were in conflict to me. But it really makes perfect sense, working with my hands is not an issue, neither is working to do my very best. The struggle is to be content in the space, to be at peace where I am. There is never going to be a day that I will do enough, create enough, grow enough, or accomplish enough, regardless of where I am. Not sure what tomorrow holds, but today I am directed to stay put, be content, and find peace.

The fog has lifted, the sounds of the bees at work, the birds chirping and now the frogs has overtaken the ticking clock. My prayer for you today, is to be content and at peace.