Here we are at the end of February, and I have broken the one resolution/goal/promise I made to myself after the busyness of Christmas: I will slow down, I will find sabbath time, even during busy work days.
And yet, I haven’t. Life has barreled ahead and I have had to run with it or fall so far behind I could never catch up.
How is it that I find myself on the hamster wheel of life once again?
In her new book Roots & Sky, Christi Purifoy makes a very simple observation: It takes time to unlearn habits of fear and worry and fuss. (Roots & Sky, Page 19)
Yes, old habits must be unlearned, and intentionally replaced with new ones. Habits like stillness, quietness and noticing the extraordinary in my ordinary day. I must be deliberate in learning a new way to “do” my life and calm the fuss and worry.
“How was your day?”
“Oh, same ole same ole. Just like yesterday.”
Except today, I noticed a red-headed woodpecker flying into a tall oak. I saw the new bloom of a gerber daisy, promising that winter will soon be over. I sat outside for lunch, in the warmth of the sun, breathing clean, fresh air. The sun warmed my soul, and the air filled me with new life.
“Our lives are built of small moments. Ordinary experiences. It is too easy to forget that our days are adding up to something astonishing. We do not often stop to notice the signs and wonders.” (Roots & Sky, Page 18)
Noticing small moments like these change my outlook. Instead of a day full of never-ending tasks and sameness, I stopped. I observed. I was aware. I noticed the beauty of nature. But I also noticed the small things that grew my habit of fear or aggravation. I took note of those signs and calmed myself with the wonder of nature. And that is when I began to see God in my eight to five workday. I took the time to be still and know (Psalm 46:10).
“Quietness is receptive emptiness…The true tragedy of an unquiet life is not that we are unable to find the stars that fall to unexpected corners. The greatest tragedy is that we do not slow down long enough to find the stars where we know they can be found.” (Roots & Sky, Page 202)
I think, for the remainder of 2016, I will slow down enough to find the stars. How about you?
Grace be with you,
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I received this book free from the Revell Reads Blog Tour Program.
Roots & Sky is a beautifully written book of finding home, of seeing God in the ordinary day of author Christie Purifoy. Christie writes in lyrical sentences that flow like poetry. Reading it was like taking a deep breath of clean mountain air, while lying in a hammock. It fed my soul.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Ellen, it is my desire to breathe in the beautiful joy found in taking notice of all God’s blessings. Yet, I too, forget…get busy…focus on the wrong things. Oh, how the Lord is trying to develop this discipline in me! Thank you for bringing it to my attention, once again. You are God’s instrument to encourage so many of us. Thank you for your faithfulness to share on this blog!
Sabra, YOU are such an encouragement to ME! I love you sweet friend!
I want to take the time to slow down and notice the beauty around me. Have a blessed week.
Yes, me too, Barbie! I calms my soul! Thanks for visiting!
Hi, Ellen. I know that feeling of life barreling ahead! One thing that really helped me was Ann Voskamp’s book ‘One Thousand Gifts’ which reminded me to count every day blessings. When I’m intentional about being grateful there’s less room for complaining. It’s not easy to slow down but oh the joys that come when we choose to bask in God’s glory!
Wishing you blessings.
I loved Ann’s book! It really puts things into perspective, doesn’t it? Thanks so much for visiting and sharing, Marva!