A butterfly fluttered through the campsite and a gentle breeze blew through the park, stirring leaves on the trees and causing them to ripple with the wind. Squirrels scampered, dogs barked, and birds skittered from tree to tree all around me.
I had escaped the everyday hustle and bustle of life to spend time alone in the woods. I had come to soak up the beauty of God’s creation all around, and I was taking in every precious detail.
Having only myself to care for, I was amazed at what captured my attention and where my gaze fell. Mushrooms, moss, and ferns to name but a few things. Ultimately, I was in awe over the presence of peace that never fails to envelop me as I step into nature, let go, let down, and absorb the tranquility of the present moment.
As a wife, mother of three, and leader in ministry, I am accustomed to constantly caring for, and serving, the needs of others. It feels unusual to care only for myself, yet, if I am to be completely honest, it’s also somewhat freeing. It's only myself that needs to have dinner prepared, and I can cook in my own time-frame. I can savor each bite while pondering various thoughts and daydreams. In the end, I find myself laughing over how I somehow manage to cook for three anyway. I hear my husband’s voice within my head saying, “There you go again, Stacy, cooking for an army!” I chuckle as I wrap the leftovers in foil and pack them into the cooler.
![path into the woods and ferns](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe36dadb7-f6db-4763-9ae7-779417da75d8_4032x3024.jpeg)
![path into the woods and ferns](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa384e616-6088-44d5-875d-32bc9714cb8c_4032x3024.jpeg)
![path into the woods and ferns](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe4d109a5-235a-4224-b51c-f06480860156_4032x3024.jpeg)
Restful Presence
I am learning that I have difficulty in simply being at rest and remaining quiet in our Lord’s presence. I have come to the shocking realization that I am a doer, and tend to be constantly on the move. My brain is forever thinking of what's next and what is on the “To Do” list that needs to be completed. It's challenging to simply sit still and allow the serenity of the moment soak into my bones, especially when I see laundry that needs folding or a sink full of dishes that need cleaning.
Am I shying away from my own thoughts? Am I concerned where those deep thoughts might lead me? Am I unwilling to face deep grief and pain from wounds that have been inflicted? Ultimately, am I masking emotion simply by always being on the move and always striving to fulfill responsibilities or a loved one's need?
Those are where my meandering thoughts tend to wander while on this solo. As I have time to myself, removed from the world and disconnected even from a Wi-Fi connection; I find myself forced to look more closely at my habitual busyness and contemplate what being still could potentially unravel.
What would this time of solitude yield and unearth?
![Ryan Huguley quote from The Busy Barrier article Ryan Huguley quote from The Busy Barrier article](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F06b60604-e98a-43f7-97fe-21b6b83b6f48_1200x1200.jpeg)
In his recent article, The Busy Barrier, Ryan Huguley continues scripting these profound and wise words:
“What I mean is, you may be so busy that you feel like you simply don’t have space for a relationship with God. And the truth is, our busyness isn’t all our own fault. It’s a systemic problem in our culture. Our culture views rest as a reward earned at the expense of working to the point of burnout. Margin isn’t seen as a necessity for human flourishing. Instead, it’s wasted time that could be filled with something more productive.” (italics mine)
Like a moth drawn to light, I am drawn to the serenity, peace, quiet, and solitude that comes with being in the wilderness. It grounds me, balances me. Even when it unnerves me, I yield and yearn to unearth all that God desires to reveal, heal, restore, or redeem. My soul pines for this moment of margin that I have created. My soul begins to understand how it is a necessity for my own personal flourishing.
Maybe you have discovered how it is even true for you. Culture has long been telling us otherwise. I have found, especially as of late, that I am internally fighting this untruth that culture has ingrained. I intentionally find myself seeking truth that comes from experiencing much-needed margin in life. I crave peace, quiet, and for it to drown the loudness of culture. I find peace as I bow before our Father and spend time listening for His still, small voice.
Granted, there is joy and a lot that I love about my busy, full, and blessed life. However, my soul pines, even yearns, for more of these precious moments of solitude and contemplation. I live for being in His divine Presence. It is a prayer of mine that you and I will be surprised by those junctures of time where the Divine meets the mortal, and the thirst in our soul is quenched by His grace, His mercy, and our God’s unconditional love.
![Nicole Pilgrim quote from Losing Control article Nicole Pilgrim quote from Losing Control article](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F25096fef-cae7-4d05-8bc6-5a64a86b923f_1200x1200.jpeg)