be still.

still. peace. quiet. calm. is it just me or does it sometimes seem like these words are a non-existent thing in life? 

we live in a day and age that is so time consumed. compared to just a generation or two ago where life was busy yet, but not so complicated.

so often we are racing from one daily thing to the next. we have to be at work on this day. grocery shopping trips are a must. oh then there's that appointment too. even in the midst of church settings we can get like this. greet the visitors. do the special. play the offertory. teach the class.  

then there's the big things in life that we are just trying to rush from one thing to the next graduation, degrees, marriage, kids, etc. we're always waiting for the next big thing. can i just stop and say that life is one big waiting game? don't ever be fooled by the thought that "if i just had (you fill in the blank) i'd be happy!" it's a lie, because there will always be something to wait for.  

many times in these moments that we are quickly letting pass by we often miss or over look the simple moments in our life. the ordinary moments that really make our life. the moments that make life beautiful. i don't know about you, but i don't want to get to the end of my life and realize all the beauty-filled, ordinary things that i missed. 

i've realized there are two big things in my life that need to be done often in order to not get caught up in everything...

+ surrender. when i'm wishing it was time for the next big thing in my life, i often have to surrender my desire and realize that this moment is perfectly suited and created for me by God and is full of beauty and purpose. 

+saying no. this one is hard for me. ask those who know me really well. i'm one of those people where if there's a job to do i feel obligated  to do it. in reality- WE WERE NOT CREATED TO FILL ALL THE SHOES. now don't get me wrong, i'm not saying be lax and get comfortable doing your thing, because sometimes God needs to stretch us and use us in different ways, but make sure that with each task you take on it is because that's what the Lord wants you to do and not because it needs done. there's a difference between opportunity and obligation. 

so amidst all the craziness of this life i'm trying to be still. to take time to notice. perhaps even to stop and smell the flowers. after all, it'd be a shame to miss such an opportunity :)

happy sunday, friends!

Erin Rae