Be still. Literally.

I have spent the better part of the last week with my planner in hand and my eyes looking at the months of May, June and July over and over again. Its part of my job that I love: the planning. Creating something out of a empty white square on my calendar. The I in my SI-personality (see DISC profile) sees every gathering of people a party. A chance to hang out and get work done...well, maybe the later, definitely the first!

In my family I'm notorious for always doing something, going somewhere, or seeing someone. I've always liked being on the move, never wanting to miss anything. I mean, who would want to miss a party?!

But...yea, big but coming... in all the commotion of my life, two scriptures come to mind. 

"Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted among the earth!" Psalm 46:10

"And He (Jesus) awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." Mark 4:39

I learned a long time ago that one reason He calls us to "be still" is because we try to fix and do all by ourselves. His call to us to this "be still" is so we stand before Him, with humble adoration and in prayer. Depending on Him to fight the battle, correct the wrong, show the answer, work out the problem. He is faithful to be our Provider and Caretaker.

But then there is this whole other "be still" that the Lord has been working on with me. The actual "being" still part, literally. 

Yea, I'm not so great at it. 

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy an hour by myself laying out by the pool, or getting lost in a book for a few hours. But being by myself a whole lot ain't my thing.

But then when did being still mean being a hermit? Why did I ever think they were equivalent? 

Maybe because some times the Lord saying "be still" literally does mean "don't do anything. don't make dinner plans. don't run errands all over town. stay home". It some times means saying... "No" (Heavens, I don't like to say it!). The social butterfly in me desires to flit about, but my Creator calls me to rest. My body, mind, and soul.

 I think on the next weeks and months, and realize my summer is pretty much planned. Lots of fun and exciting stuff set in place that will no doubt make a memorable season in which I pray God moves. But tonight, I write this sitting out on my balcony feeling a wonderful, God-given breeze in the ever present South Georgia heat. 

Being still before my Savior. Resting.