The journal.

For many the thought of an open page is not worth the time or effort, I get it. There are times I just close it and the page remains empty. Sometimes, the concept of journaling becomes too complicated and the pressure mounts and the journal stays closed. Enter kids… this is where journaling took on a new level for me. The kids would have adorable art work or notes that I did not know what to do with. I wish I had all of those precious reminders now! I have some, for that I am thankful.  So, I would take photos, art work and add them to a journal entry. Adding a photo accompanied by a verse or even just the date was all that was needed. What happened from there was adding a photo of one of the kids and praying over them. Years ago I bought a box of verses on cardstock that were organized according to theme (for example overcoming fear, anxiety). I would tape on of the verses in and that would be my entry. Simple. Some days I write a lot and account for the many thoughts that filled my mind through the night or the previous day. Point being there is no particular pattern. Lately, the ESV journal Bible has been a welcome addition to my routine. The sides of each page has lines to write down thoughts, questions and verses all in one place. 

In the stillness there is an opportunity for reflection.

These moments take time to build into your day and are always worth the effort. It may mean you rise earlier a few times a week or head to bed and turn off all media for a period of time. Whatever method works for you creates a healthy pattern for nurturing your soul. Lockdown means a lot of different things to people. Maybe instead of feeling bound by regulations we can’t change immediately, allow for moments of freedom with an open page, pen in hand, Word open and pray God will fill your time with purpose and intention. It is in this habit of sitting down to reflect, be still and open the Word we see our need of Christ more and more and learn to lean into him through our hills and valleys. What are you habits of stillness?

 

2 responses to “In the Stillness”

1. Nurturing your soul-such an apt group of words with potential of deep meaning and a moment of truth to do something about it-then your reminder to us as readers that this pandemic can actually stir creativity in us more than sitting, soaking and souring . Thank you

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   • So true! Even in the forced stillness I think we are all growing!! Thanks xox

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