You may remember my struggle with fasting, which I'm mildly pleased to say is jerking along to improvement in the physical realm of food. This month, however, my discipling fellowship study called us to a new fast -- the spiritual discipline of silence. If you knew me at all, you would easily understand the deer in the headlights look in my eyes when I received THIS invitation . . . .
But because I'm committed to finishing this course with Him and with the others in my Sunday morning group that I respect, love and admire, I took that first requested step. "Take a walk with me," the instructions read. "Fifteen minutes. No talking." I wondered what would happen. I wondered if the neighbors would call the police when they heard the crunch of footsteps down the lane at 11:15 at night. I wondered.
And then I was IN wonder. I must admit, the challenge to keep my big mouth shut isn't nearly as daunting in the middle of the night with no one to talk to but God. Keeping my mind still was another story . . . But after a few minutes of focusing on the sounds and stars all around me, I found myself wrapped in and enraptured by the companionship of God as he walked with me down my lane.
We came to our familiar bridge . . . the one where I feel compelled to stop and capture the changes of each season that He invites me to notice. And tonight, the night I chose to walk in silence, He caused me to remember this scene as one special night in November so crisp and clear and calm that even the dogs had nothing to day. Only the chilled creek applauding under the bridge God's choice of path . . . and amused gurgling on the other side.
Only applause.
Only laughter.
From His Own Creation.
Only My Loving Father can take a moment like this, warm my shoulder with his touch, open my heart and my mind, and teach me in a whisper a lesson that brings me to tears. "Kindness, Dear Daughter, and Silence are perhaps important partners for you." And instantly I knew that most of my regrets in relationship were from missing an ideal opportunity to keep my mouth shut.
This is going to make a food fast look like . . . well . . . a piece of cake. sigh.
May you all abound in blessings this Thanksgiving Season ~
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But because I'm committed to finishing this course with Him and with the others in my Sunday morning group that I respect, love and admire, I took that first requested step. "Take a walk with me," the instructions read. "Fifteen minutes. No talking." I wondered what would happen. I wondered if the neighbors would call the police when they heard the crunch of footsteps down the lane at 11:15 at night. I wondered.
And then I was IN wonder. I must admit, the challenge to keep my big mouth shut isn't nearly as daunting in the middle of the night with no one to talk to but God. Keeping my mind still was another story . . . But after a few minutes of focusing on the sounds and stars all around me, I found myself wrapped in and enraptured by the companionship of God as he walked with me down my lane.
We came to our familiar bridge . . . the one where I feel compelled to stop and capture the changes of each season that He invites me to notice. And tonight, the night I chose to walk in silence, He caused me to remember this scene as one special night in November so crisp and clear and calm that even the dogs had nothing to day. Only the chilled creek applauding under the bridge God's choice of path . . . and amused gurgling on the other side.
Only applause.
Only laughter.
From His Own Creation.
Only My Loving Father can take a moment like this, warm my shoulder with his touch, open my heart and my mind, and teach me in a whisper a lesson that brings me to tears. "Kindness, Dear Daughter, and Silence are perhaps important partners for you." And instantly I knew that most of my regrets in relationship were from missing an ideal opportunity to keep my mouth shut.
This is going to make a food fast look like . . . well . . . a piece of cake. sigh.
May you all abound in blessings this Thanksgiving Season ~
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