Being Still

I found myself in a moment today, where I just sat & was quiet.

I was quiet & I just observed as the world around me kept moving. 

It was a little awkward at first. It's a little hard to explain, but I realized that I was supposed to be exactly where I was and just be still. 

I watched as my 4 yr old son climbed up in his daddy's lap on the riding mower with such an awesome look of excitement. I couldn't help but laugh as my little man lifted his hands up in the air and yelled "Go faster daddy!Go Faster!" as daddy accelerated as fast as the mower could go just to see his sons face light up & hear his laughter. 

I watched as my 14 yr old daughter sat on the front porch next to me with the wind blowing in her hair gently. 

I couldn't help but notice the cute way her eyes squint as she laughs. And how her eyes light up when she's trying to say something to quickly.  She glances up, smiles, and asks " Are you OK mom?" I giggle a little, cause I imagine she is wondering why I'm staring at her, and I just nod. 

Before I knew it, it was time to go pick up my little girl from school. 

As we drove down the road, I couldn't help but notice that I couldn't shake this "feeling" off, I can't explain it. I just continued to "be still". 

I guess it was only obvious to me, because everyone and everything around me just kept right on moving.

We pull into the school drive. And there she is. My baby girl. Running down the side walk, backpack flailing around her shoulder, Easter basket in hand from her party that day, smiling a crooked smile with one missing tooth, waving her free hand frantically. She's so happy to see me. She jumps into the car, anxious to tell me all about her great day, gives me a big hug and a kiss and says " Mommy I love you and I missed you today while I was at school" - I think my heart melted into goo. 

So back at home now. I had some great pics of my two men today as they mowed the lawn & pretended to be race car drivers together. As I was uploading, I began skimming through some of my photos & just reminiscing a little bit -  And that's right about when it hit me .....

"Be still and know that I am God"  -  

Oh Lord! Could it be that all day this was you?  

Father, it was YOU, speaking to ME? 

Through the joy in my husband & sons eyes and their laughter. Through the wind in my daughters hair and through her beauty. Through the loving touch and affection of my little girl. Through the warmth of the sun on my face and the wind that gently kissed my skin this morning. 

Father, this was you?? 

And as softly and gently as ever, I heard Him whisper, 
"Yes Melissa, it was Me." 

It was all that I could do not to fall on my face right where I was. Because at that moment it was like He stepped into the room, grabbed a hold of my heart and I felt Him wrap His arms around me and again I heard Him whisper

"It's always been Me. I just needed you to be still and be quiet long enough for Me to show You again"

Oh Father. My sweet Father God. Deserving I know I am most certainly not. But you look farther into me and beyond all of the mess that I, oh so often, tend to make of myself, and still lavish me with your amazing, beautiful, breath-taking, magnificent, love. 

Reminding me, once again, that I'm not alone. 

Reassuring me, once again, that in this life one thing IS for certain - and that is your undying, unrelenting, constant love for me. 

Making me feel, once again, that I am a special, beautiful, and adored work of art sculpted by Your hands. 

I was pursued. I was pursued and captured. I was captured  because I allowed myself to be caught. Caught up in the arms of my Father God. And I am OH SO GLAD that He did. 

"Be still child and know that I AM GOD"

SHhhhhh - Be quiet ...now open your eyes and you'll be sure to see all of the miraculous beauty the Father has so thoughtfully, intentionally, and lovingly surrounded you with...........................