I can stand to sit still only so much and then I am like the proverbial jack in the box jumping up and launching off into yet another project. I definitely see a tendency toward ADHD when it comes to these projects. I begin by trimming a bush and see the weeds in the stone path need pulling and notice the dirt on the window by the path, which draws attention to the deck which needs sweeping, and this leads to the drive which is covered in squirrel thrown pecan hulls, which takes me to the front yard and a entire new pallet of jobs needing to be done. With a good book--I can sit for hours--but little else can keep me quiet and still-so I tend to keep at least one book or maybe three or four going at a time.
I have arranged my volunteering this school year to all fall on one day. The remaining six days need to be filled. I have been arranging flowers, cooking up a storm, cleaning out closets and drawers,--why I even broke down and cleaned the stove and refrigerator. All my pondering is done while in motion--not sitting on the porch swinging and staring off into the horizon. Annie Oakley said it so well-
Perhaps this comes from my childhood. My mother was a firm believer in children are seen and not heard. I sat for long stretches--perfectly still in a chair without saying a word. I did all my sitting in those years when I should have been out running instead of impressing the adults with my good behavior.
My dear friend advised me to "Rest and listen" while the lull is here. She told me it would not last---but am I resting and listening or am I busily running around avoiding the conversation? The first hurdle in having the conversation is determining how to snag the jumping bean.
Perhaps this is why I get the 2:00 AM wake up calls---my busy signal answers all the waking hour calls. Praying God will show me His path for this season---and that I can slow down enough to hear His message when presented. Though I find myself at peace--I truly desire to know the serenity of walking His path--even when it borders the raging river.
Those who love Your law have great peace, And nothing causes them to stumble. I hope for Your salvation, O LORD, And do Your commandments. My soul keeps Your testimonies, And I love them exceedingly.
Psalm 119: 165-167
So ... what have I learnt from today's post:
ReplyDelete1 You are a busy kind of person, which is good, especially since a lot of your busyness is directed towards helping others (grand-children, school volunteering, Louisiana).
2 You have a penchant (see, I can use Italian words to show I'm clever), for cleaning and tidying up. I hope you never visit me because you'd be shocked. We have a mat on our doorstep so people can wipe their feet as they leave the house!
3 You have spare time of inactivity right now. Here's an idea. Write more posts. Your readers like to read what you write.
4 Your squirrels are very lucky. They eat pecan nuts. Do you know how expensive pecans are in the UK?
God bless you, Lulu.
If I still lived in the country, Victor, the squirrels would be history! They frown on firearms in the city. As for the pecans--if you have ever shelled one you would understand why they are so expensive-a royal pain in my---
DeleteWikipedia tells me pecans are not grown across the pond, it is a LONG way across the pond, What nuts do your squirrels eat? OR do you not even have any of the little rodents?
Blessings!
I've tried shelling pecans. I know what you mean. They don't grow over here sadly; because I love them.
DeleteWe have two types of squirrels. The red is indigenous to the UK and the grey imported from the USA. The greys are now the majority. We have them in our gardens and parks and they are loved by many. They eat peanuts which people leave in their gardens for birds. Also acorns and chestnuts, and horse-chestnuts. They do acrobatics in the garden to reach the bird feeders.
Lots of people over here encourage wildlife in their gardens like various birds, insects and frogs and squirrels. We have two frogs, at least. Also we have a hedgehog who visits every night between 7:30 and 8:00 pm like clock work. We leave out some dog food on a plate and can see him eating through the window every night; for about a month now. We've even had a family of foxes.
God bless you, Lulu.
I love to watch the wildlife too, my friend, but when the squirrels start relieving themselves on the cars--I am NOT happy!
DeleteOh wow, this right here, Lulu -->'or am I busily running around avoiding the conversation?'
ReplyDeleteWhen we get in this busyness mode, this is what is true for most of us. I do believe you've hit the nail on the head. Can't wait to see how God continues to lead you. I have a feeling you'll be sharing lessons that we all need to take hold of.
Fascinating ...
Sitting still and listening has always been a tough row to hoe, Linda! God ends up giving me a swift kick at 2:00 AM to get my attention. SAD COMMENTARY!
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Hi Lulu! I can't imagine how hard it would be to sit so quietly as a child. No wonder you want to make up for lost time!
ReplyDeleteI think the whole summer was a time of discernment for me. It took a long time to recover from my dad's death, and to figure out what I was truly passionate about. I think that might be what you are trying to do too?
I pray that patience will be yours as you try to figure out what will fulfill you. I know God is giving you this time as a gift, so you can come closer to him and hear his soft, loving voice.
Best of blessings on your journey!
Ceil
You have a gentle manner of saying exactly where I am--looking for God's purpose for me.
DeleteBlessings, Friend!