Stuck at Home
The other day I was stuck at home. Literally stuck.
Our 3rd van was parked behind our 2nd van, and the keys for the 3rd van
had gone on a field trip with the owner of the 1st van.
(How excessive to have 3 vans, I agree.)
I was stuck at home.
I was expected at school.
And I was running late.
I tore the house apart looking for keys. And then I did what any frustrated,
crazy, and spatially-challenged woman would do. I tried to extracate the 2nd van
from the garage. I FELT like driving it out the back wall! But I didn't. There were 7 bikes, 2 cats and a gas grill in the way.
Instead, I tried to turn the van around....in the garage. Midway through I realized that it would be impossible. Groaning with rage, I called school to apologize and explain my unexpected absence. Then I sat down, confused. I was overwhelmed with a few unscheduled hours at my disposal.
Why do we live like this?
Why are we so busy? "Busy, busy, dreadfully busy," the Veggie Tale character Madame Blueberry sings. "You've no idea what I have to do!" She trills about her involved life and sense of self-importance.
Are we all Madame Blueberrys? SO busy. SO self-important? SO nuts. Is it just me? Or are we all running late, trying to turn big vans around in small garages.....attempting to not miss a single volunteer opportunity....wildly devoted to the causes to which we've vainly overcommitted?
I don't want to be so busy. Do you?
The oft-quoted Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God." When on earth was the last time you sat still....like I did, when I found I was trapped at home?
When were you still? Quiet? With nothing on your mind? Last month, last week? When?
Be still means more than sitting, however. It really means to cease striving. Are we capable of this? How would it feel?
Don't press forward. Do hold back. Stop striving and seek God's face. Ask what He would have you do. Then wait until you get an answer.
Be still.
That's what I'm trying to do. So, friends, I might not answer the phone. I might not return your calls right away. And I will be fine if you do the same.
Take a moment.
Or two.
And if your van is in the garage, leave it there.
Cease striving...and start living.
Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10
4 comments:
We have all from time to time prayed for that "divine appointment"! Why are we so suprised when He makes one with us! The Lord devises ways to get "stuck" with us for a few hours. I remember how difficult it was to try to find even a few minutes to get quiet before the Lord. But I was always the one blessed for the rest of the day with the fruit of that time spent; love, joy, peace, patience, etc. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights." James 1:17. Thanks Martie for reminding us to spend a few minutes opening the good and perfect gifts our Father in heaven has for us.
Oh my goodness, I can SO RELATE! LOL Those frustrating mornings have the capability of turning into the sweetest alone times, don't they?
I hadn't logged unto your blog for a while and now low-and-behold you quoted the EXACT scripture that I have been focusing on for the last month. Since I last saw you, our new live-in Grandpa has been in the hospital now for 45+ days. I read this scipture to him because he was so frustrated having to just lay and heal. He wants to get up and leave. With all the stress of having a family member in the hospital I too have decided I need to be still and know that God is before us, preparing the way. Thank you for your insight. You are truly gifted!!!
Mom,I can't belive you got stuck!!!!
Good me and Caroline came home to keep you from getting lonely!
You are a very good writer I wish I could grow up like you.
(exept I don't want to be stuck at home all day)
Love,J.G.B
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