Still, still, still…

I can think of that tune as I reach a point in our holiday season where I need to settle myself. 

As I look toward a few more hectic days in this crazy life of mine, I like to see a rest coming, a stillness of sorts. Will a peaceful night come while the stars watch over? Will Jesus look upon me as I rest in the glow of twinkling lights? Will the Spirit calm my fretful ways as I sip tea under a warm blanket? Will the stillness that the Lord offers catch up to me after I have been running and running these days?

The Lord says to have hope and joy. The Spirit allows gladness to enter. God continues to be faithful. Jesus created an example to follow. We can rest in all of this and find that gladness is not terribly far away.

Psalm 46:10 ESV

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

How many of us run ourselves ragged? But even more so, how many blog posts and lectures in Christian and secular circles alike pour on the guilt about the need for self-care? We get it. We need rest, Sabbath, and even Sabbatical at times, but how realistic is this?

How many young mothers can just take a break from midnight feedings and house work? How many people who have full-time jobs to support full-time families can just take a “me day” without losing pay? How many ministry leaders can abandon the ship for a manicure and coffee date at the drop of a hat because the viral Christian blog post said we had to?

I don’t know about you, but I can’t just step away from life to have down time. My life doesn’t give wiggle room, my ministry doesn’t provide days off, and my rest time needs to come when all else is settled around me.

God knows. He can see when we are done. He knows when we just need a reprieve. He provides the stillness when it’s time to breathe in the aroma of coffee a little bit longer. He will give in abundance.  We just need to quiet and know that He is God.

If you don’t have snow wear you roam, imagine the peacefulness, the stillness of the quiet covering drifting to the ground in slumber. The stillness of the Advent of our Savior brings peace and knowing.