Slowing Down
Betty Smith-Campbell of Andover, KS, USA
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. -Isaiah 61:10-11
It seems like I am always rushing to meet deadlines, usually of my own making. In rushing, I am so focused I don’t see the many blessings surrounding me. On the day my mother was coming to visit from out of town, I had just finished getting semester grades in to meet the university deadline. The morning was planned: get up early, exercise, eat breakfast, and mow the lawn before the plumber was scheduled to arrive.
As I was preparing to mow the lawn, I noticed there wasn’t much gasoline in the mower. I didn’t want to take time to add gasoline, so I started the mowing. I had finished half the mowing, and was doing great on time. Just as I finished the last loop of mowing, the mower quit-out of gasoline. But I was done! I let out a little shout and a thank you to the Lord. Then I thought, “How silly to be thankful for something I was responsible for.”
I looked around the yard and saw the green grass, the flowers in bloom, and the tall, beautiful trees. I felt truly blessed and at peace. I was blessed by God’s creation-a creation I had no responsibility in making-and I felt loved! For the rest of the day, I slowed down and continued to experience the feeling of peace and love.
Prayer Phrase
“Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day…” (Psalm 139:12).
Spiritual Practice
Repeat this month’s prayer phrase slowly and intentionally within your heart. Invite this prayerful repetition to open a space of presence to the divine light within you. Where are you experiencing the light of God in your life and in the world?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
