Consider the lilies, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say unto you, Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. —Luke 12:27 ASV
It’s Monday and I’m looking at a rather large mountain of work. After just returning from a week away, the laundry itself is a literal mountain. Suitcases need unpacking and groceries need buying. Workmen were in the house in our absence, so there’s tidying to do and some rearranging. A blog to write, emails to answer, contracts to sign, mail and phone messages to return, and bills to pay. Then, come the unexpected requests: Could I lead a prayer group this week on Wednesday morning? Just 20 minutes or so. Would Ray and I be willing to take part in a panel of grandparents on Grandparents Day at his school this Friday? Just 40 minutes or so. Oh, and company is arriving Thursday afternoon. Two workshop presenters who will be participating with me in a weekend conference starting Friday. I write out my formidable “to do” list, unpack the suitcases, and start the laundry. As I begin to wade through emails, I notice it’s already 11:00 a.m. and only a small dent has been made in my very long list. I’ve been up since 5:30 a.m.—and I’m feeling a little worn.
As I glance out the window, I notice that the sun is shining bright and strong in a cloudless blue sky.
I stop.
Mug in hand, I wrap myself in Dad Gamble’s old wool sweater and head for the deck. Bella, my faithful pup, trails behind me and jumps on my lap as soon as I’m settled, making me even cozier on this crisp autumn day. I nestle in, enjoying my short stop. These little sweet selah moments with God are my joy, and I choose to indulge in them daily. Busy or not. Ahhh.
Oh, the glory of the changing leaves! I look up. Way, way up and admire. Jesus’ admonition in Luke 12 flits into my thoughts, “consider the lilies,”—but in my mind changes into “consider the trees.” And I do. I marvel at the way the soft wind rustles branches and leaves in a shimmery whisper. I watch a leaf fall, twirling and dancing in the wind as it finds its patch of grass below. Then another falls and another joins in the dance. I marvel that every single tree is different. Some of the trees in our back yard are still green. One has already loosed every leaf and stands in gaunt stillness surrounded by tall pines, still green against the rich blue sky. Others are orange or yellow or red. Each unique. I know without looking that each of those leaves tumbling lazily down from great heights are also one of a kind.
Oh, Creator God, Your love of detail is immense! Every leaf, every branch … differently, wonderfully made. And the picture of the whole of it? Glorious! Nothing man-made can touch the splendor of the tiny wood behind my house. And You make every human with detail and uniqueness as well. There’s actually no one out there exactly like … me. I’m Your one and only me. How treasured that makes me feel. That You cared to make me unique from all others. How rested I feel, wrapped in this old sweater, unique little pup on my lap, savoring sunshine.
Not every day can be a vacation day. Work needs to be done, and I’m now back at it, folding laundry and writing out my grocery list. But I’m recharged by a time of quiet. I’m reminded of the One who holds my life in His competent hands. My stress level is waaaay down. Just because I stopped when there was “no time” to stop. Just because I considered and admired and basked for a wee bit.
Oh, friend. If you don’t have a long time to pause … to “selah” … take a moment and pause briefly. Seek out little times to meet with God. You see, a sweet selah moment is simply a pause spent with God. A little break from the mundane to reflect on His Word and His love right in the messy middle of busy and stressed. Consider the lilies … and stop for a moment, will you? It will make all the difference.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your call on each of us to notice the world You have made … to stop and worship and acknowledge You … to study Your Word so we know You more and love You more. Help us to savor our times completely devoted to being with You. Thank You for Your peace that passes all understanding, for guarding our hearts and our minds as we live out the days You have planned for us here on earth. We love You, Lord Jesus! Amen.
You are loved,
Sharon
Sweet Selah Ministries
Vision
To encourage a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth that stillness and knowing God matter most—
and will be reflected in more effective work and service
Mission
To offer resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)
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