Silent Space....

'Your best life isn't found in the "hurry," the "side hustle" and "who can race the fastest to the top."  It's is in the beautiful moments where YOU ARE JUST YOU.  You with enough white space to notice your life.' -Lysa Terkeurst

I have found myself surrounded by a lot of noise lately.  For part of spring break, we took a trip to New Orleans.  Did I mention we were there during "Mardi Gras season?"  As we navigated our way slowly through the downtown area to our hotel, we became part of a "Second Line" parade.  There were dancers, floats, a queen and people on horseback!  The mood was festive.  The streets remained clothed in a sea of fun and excitement.  The noise from all directions was inescapable.

When we arrived home from New Orleans, week 3 of our home renovation was in full force.  I learned that behind every mess you see on HGTV shows are tools and heavy equipment you often don't see.  Constant sounds of tapping, pounding, grinding and shaking are everywhere.  The noises from every familiar area of your home change by the hour; however, they never cease.

It was only a few nights ago when our sweet dog Rocky laid right beside me as I went to sleep.  This was not his normal routine.  He looked up at me, in quiet desperation, as I simply said, "It's ok.  I promise the paint in the laundry room will dry soon.  Then, you can sleep in there again."  It wasn't ok.  Our bedroom had the loud noise of an oscillating fan and the howling of dogs steps away from our back door.  Sometime, during the middle of the night, Rocky moved from the top of our bed to the very silent space underneath.  He positioned himself in the far corner away from everything.  In that space, I believe my sweet dog was truly able to notice a comfortable feeling of peace, the same feeling he experiences in the quiet space of his bed in the laundry room.

I have grown to love and appreciate the silence.  As the sounds of construction activity have surrounded me, discovering silence has become increasingly important.  I have entered and exited different doors of our home where I know a peaceful spot can be accessed on the other side.  I have experienced great comfort simply sitting and being in different rooms or different chairs where the silence is present and noticeable.

In that silent space is where I truly believe our souls find Him.  In that silent space, we find time to pause, breathe and pray.  In that silent space, we gain a greater understanding of who we are and who we want to be.  Of equal importance, silence affords us the opportunity to reflect over the countless ways our Almighty Father blesses us beyond measure every day of our lives.

The spring time is such a beautiful season of growth and change.  As the flowers bloom and trees begin to blossom, we recognize the majestic transformation of God's beautiful landscape.  New colors and new patterns encourage us to pause and admire His creation.  May we all peer into these months with this simple goal: savor the silence.  Celebrate the blessed opportunity to create time for silence in your daily routine.  It is there where you will find Him.  Amen.