Savoring the Stillness

Savoring the Stillness

by Leslie Jones

I hadn’t stopped all day. The errands were never-ending. First a trip to the grocery store for the big weekly haul. Then another trip back to grab the eggs I forgot. Helped my husband with our taxes. Stopped at the bank before school pick-up. Then Little League baseball practice, home for dinner, homework assistance, and a quick load of laundry.

My brain is fried.

It’s evening now, and I’m tucked into a wicker rocking chair on my back porch. The sun is well below the horizon but has left its mark on the desert sky. Wispy clouds are awash in oranges, blues, and light purples, the colors fading fast as the darkness settles in.

I feel the slight breeze caress my cheeks as I unwind my side braids, the hair tickling my neck and shoulders. I take a sip of hot chamomile tea, my tonic for a restful night’s sleep.

Today I was everything to everyone, and I have nothing left to give. I’ve been emptied.

But that’s exactly how God wants me. When I’ve come to the end of my day, and to the end of myself, I’m able and open to sit quietly and engage in a spiritual practice I’ve cultivated over the past few months.

I seek simply to savor the stillness with the Holy Spirit.

Despite the speed with which my day rolled on, time seems to slow down here. And in the stillness of the evening, I take a deep breath. And then another. The weight of the day seeps away as I let the air out in a rush. I unclench my jaw, feeling the ache from gritting my teeth.

Here is where the Holy Spirit meets me to bring fresh air to my lungs and peace to my mind. He’s here in the rocking chair next to mine, rocking away the day with me. His love settles over me like a warm blanket.

No words are exchanged, save the silent ones in my heart. He knows what I’m saying without me having to utter a sound. I feel my mind empty, and my heart fill with joy. The Spirit gives me assurance that I’m heard, that my unspoken needs and desires are being pondered.

I began this practice a few months ago and it has changed something deep inside me. The stress of the day melts away when I’m experiencing His natural surroundings and enjoying His majesty, my senses stimulated in a way that isn’t overwhelming but rather pleasant. I wish I could stay this way all evening.

I’m startled at the sound of the sliding glass door opening behind me. “Mama, are you done talking with God, yet?” my 7-year old son asks, clad in Spiderman pajamas, his hair wet from the shower.

“Yes, lovey,” I reply as I set down my teacup and reach my arms out toward him. “I’m just about to say goodnight to God. Would you like to join me?”

He snuggles onto my lap, his wet head leaning against my chest. We sigh in unison.

“Thank you, God, for this day and for the stillness of this evening,” I say.

“You’re the best, God,” my son whispers. “We love you.”

My heart is full of love from my Heavenly Father, and I’m now ready to let that parental love spill over to my son. Together with the Holy Spirit, we savor the stillness as we’re wrapped in His comfort.

 
 

 

An author, speaker, and founder of Every Mile Matters ministry, Leslie Jones encourages women to run the spiritual race God has set before them in Christ-centered confidence and empowerment. Connect with her at www.everymilematters.co and on Instagram @lesliejonescreative.