For a little change of scenery to do some reflecting and praying at home, I spent some time in a room I don’t often go into. I settled in to try to organize (or at least calm) my thoughts and ended up focusing on a wall decoration directly across from me. I purchased it quite a while ago from the $1 clearance bin and then thoughtlessly put it aside. I think it took me a year or more to actually unwrap it and find a place to hang it. It’s cheery and simply reads, ‘Be Happy.’ As I stared and gave it more thought, I found myself ignoring the ‘happy’ part of the sentiment and just concentrating on ‘be.’ Not what I’ve been or what I’ve already done. Not what my plans are or what I hope to become. Just ‘be’ – what, who, and where I am right now, when it’s still and quiet.
More specifically, what, who, and where am I with God in this still and quiet moment? Outside of current worries; outside of errands to run, outside of calls to make. What is it to completely and only be with God in the present? The bible verse we are very familiar with quickly comes to mind: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10; Psalm 46:11 in Catholic bible translations) I am often guilty of hearing a familiar verse like this from scripture and saying to myself, ‘yeah, yeah, yeah, I know that one.’ I may know the words and can easily repeat them, but have I really considered words like these and allowed them to work in me? What could I be missing? Perhaps there is a reason that we hear this verse so frequently and that it came to mind in this special moment of ‘be-ing.’ We know that God is always with us, but what a gift to be present and truly share the still and quiet with Him.
There’s plenty happening all around us as the slower pace of summer gradually changes. It’s back to school time, a few leaves have already turned golden, and (if you’re interested) football season starts soon. All of these indicate the beginning of a familiar but new cycle. A time of increased activity and motion. As we proceed with the busyness of the days and season ahead, let us be reminded to find moments to renew our spirit and take time to ‘be.’ To be fully in the present with God, to be aware of the movements in our hearts, and to be open to His voice in the still and quiet.
Journeying to Grace 