Yesterday afternoon, I was able to get away for several hours and spend the majority of my time praying, reading, and journaling at Starbucks. Aron and I are praying about some specific possible changes in our life in the coming months (details forthcoming), so I wrestled through some of this while away. It's been at least 6 months since I have gone to Starbucks alone and it's interesting to reflect how life changes. For several years before and after Aron and I married, I/we were always at the Bucks doing the aforementioned activities. I realized how much I have missed it. Being a new mom, I find that my Bible reading has entered a new era. I'm sure many of you can relate, regardless if you are mothers or not. It seems our spiritual journeys manifest themselves differently throughout our lifetime. Part of me thrives on this and part of me loathes it. I like predictability (who doesn't?), yet I also like spontaneity. I'm learning to be content with the ups and downs of my walk, knowing there will be times of ardent fervor and times that I fail to seek God at all. Here are some excerpts of a hymn I reflected through during my alone time over an iced Americano.
Be Still, My Soul
text by Katharina von Schlegel, 1752
v.1: "Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side, bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; leave to your God to order and provide, in every change he faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly Friend, through thorny ways leads to a joyful end."
v.3: "Be still, my soul: your Jesus can repay, from his own fullness all he takes away."
So glad you had some time alone. I hope you can get to do that on a more regular basis. The words of the hymn are so rich - they hit home for me too, so thanks for sharing. Will continue to pray for things going on right now and look forward to hearing how it all unfolds.
ReplyDeleteLove you, friend.
xoxo
what a great hymn. thanks for reminding me of it. it's comforted me in the past. i need to dig out my cd (mindy & i recorded that song) & listen. it's like i'm talking to myself...telling myself truth, when i hear it. i think i need to hear that right now, i've been a little unsettled as of late. will pray for you today. xoxo
ReplyDeletesounds like we're in about the same place. we too, are praying about changes in life these days and my problem is being able to rest in the Lord and know that he will take care of us. i keep wanting to DO something but i really need to just wait. loved the words in the hymn
ReplyDeleteLa, Tines, Kim--glad to hear the words resondated with you all. i just re-read them myself and love how they were written over 300 years ago and yet minister to me today. i long to rest, but find myself full of anxiety or fear or unease about much of life's journey. "he will order and provide"--i love that.
ReplyDeleteI too am glad you were able to get some alone time! I am in so much need of alone time myself. :) I agree with all the other ladies! The words of that hymn speak true! And it hit home for me too. Thanks for sharing. :) I will also pray for you and yours as things happen in your life, and I too can't wait to see what the Lord does. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts...I needed them!
ReplyDeleteI so don't like being still. I have to keep reminding myself that it does me some good. But I still kick against it. Thanks for the hymn!
ReplyDeleteI can COMPLETELY relate to this. I ve hated that at times in the last 9 months I haven t recognized my own walk with God. But I m finding in the changes a great freedom at other times. God is still the same... yesterday, today and forever, even if the ways that I meet Him change. Its a challenge to figure it all out, to be sure, but I think a good one.
ReplyDeleteAnd love the hymn so much. It is one that I sing to myself when my heart needs comforting.