Be Still….
Dear Friends and Family of HBC,
I was losing my patience. After all I was doing them a favor and they did not seem interested or concerned that I had places to go, things to do and my time was limited. Finally, I could not tolerate their lack of courtesy or concern any longer and I blurted out “Okay enough already! You do not need to stop and smell every tree, bush and rock that we pass! Let’s go!” With a tug of their leashes, I picked up the pace as my ungrateful dogs and I continued our walk along the path beside the canal.
As we were now walking at a much more rapid pace I was finally able to start thinking about all I had to do that day; the sermon I had to write, the phone call I needed to make, the meeting I had to be prepared for and somewhere I needed to find time to spend with Karen too. It was then that a random thought quietly slipped into my feverish mind. The thought was “Maybe you should slow down and enjoy every tree, bush and rock.”
Recently I was talking with an HBC friend about the hectic week I was having. This person very gently and gracefully said “Aren’t you the one who is always telling us to ‘Be Still’?”
I think sometimes people believe we pastors have it all together, that somehow we have an advantage to everyday living that others don’t have. I am sorry to disappoint you, but that is simply not true. I do not have extra spiritual powers and I have not been given exemption from the stresses, concerns and challenges of life. As the saying goes, “I put my pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else”.
And yes, sometimes I too need to be reminded to slow down and enjoy the trees, bushes and rocks around me. Sometimes I too need someone to remind me “Be Still”. And guess what? It is not any easier for me to do these things than it is for you.
And that is exactly why God keeps gently reminding us and why we keep encouraging each other gracefully. These things take time and practice.
By the way I complied to that inner thought to slow down, which allowed the dogs and I to enjoy our walk much more. Slowly I began to notice how the sun fell across the path, how green the grass was and the big carp feeding off the rocks. My head felt clearer and my soul was more centered.
I also took my friends advice to “Be Still”. Although I admit I may have also felt a sense of obligation to do so since I should be “practicing what I preach”. Nevertheless, it was a gift to slow down. It helped to re-focus and remind me that God doesn’t always need me going full throttle. He seems to do just fine when I take the time to shift down a few gears.
And so my friends, I remind us all again…
Be still. Be still. Be still. Take time to enjoy every tree, rock and bush or whatever else God may put on your path today.
Grace and Peace,
Dan
Categories: Pastors Message