The author’s weekly blessing in my bible study reads, “May you walk through this week with eyes wide open to the wonders of God’s creation, seeing His fingerprints in both the magnificent and the mundane….” (emphasis mine)
It speaks clearly to my inner work these days. I call it sobriety. Not the kind that requires abstaining from unhealthy substances that interfere with living. It’s more like being aware of my own state of mind, heart, and body. Taking note when I’m off-kilter or tipping in a way that ignores God in the mundane. It’s paying attention to how I distract myself, and from what.
This is how I’m wired. I spend lots of time dreaming BIG dreams, formulating ideas, reveling in the grandest of possibilities. I like to start new things and the challenge of a hard project. And while all this may seem harmless, there is a shadow side. I’m scared to death of boredom, I get tired of the same old thing day in day out, and am quite good at distracting myself from emotions that come with hard things.
Finding balance is a daily wrestling to be right where I am.
Some may be fine with following the same routine every day. Even to the point of never straying from what is comfortable and predictable. Some may need a challenge to move forward, and others just want to be surrounded with peace no matter the cost. I’m not sure where you find yourself, but I do know there’s an inner work of balance or sobriety for all of us.
In my experience, it all begins with noticing. Paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and doings. Becoming aware of what happens within you when the world around you becomes still and quiet.
Maybe next time you find yourself with a moment of silence and solitude, you’ll ask yourself the following:
What is my immediate reaction to unexpected moments of silence?
What noise do I turn to in the quiet?
What sparks a sense of envy when I’m scrolling through social media?
Where does my mind go when I can’t sleep?
Perhaps you are ready to get off the teeter-totter of unbalance with me. to consider questions that reveal the innermost workings of your soul. If so, let me encourage you to pay attention to your moments of silence and notice what stirs within you. Ask the questions and sit with the answers no matter what they reveal. I pray you know you are not alone on this journey. I’m right there with you.
May we discover in our moments of silence God’s healing, wisdom, and strength way down deep in our bones.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-9 NLT
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