A Time to Listen
By Melony Teague
Do you feel you are on the treadmill of life and someone has their finger on the “increase speed” button? Sometimes, I hit that button myself, but I know that a break-neck speed is not sustainable for long. Not on the treadmill, nor in our lives.
I have wrestled with the idea of slowing down recently because I’ve been feeling the effects of a full schedule. One night, I ran a hot bath. I added my favorite lime and coconut bubble bath. Sinking into the foamy water, I closed my eyes, but before I knew it, my mind was racing. I sat up, agitated and on alert. I forced myself to relax and enjoy the time of rejuvenation. It wasn’t long before I sat up once again. I had to tell myself several times to calm down. I felt like a Jack in the Box! I needed to relearn how to slow down and be still.
When we need rest for our bodies, we know what we ought to do, but do we know how to find rest for our souls? “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” [Isaiah 40:31, N.I.V]
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” [Isaiah 40:31, N.I.V]
Nowadays, our wait times for a meal are reduced to the time taken to navigate a drive-through. Dinner can be a microwave “ding” away and communication can be as instant as a text. On the whole, we are rapidly losing our ability to sit down, quieten ourselves and wait.
We rob ourselves of the gift of stillness and the opportunity to listen and be with our Creator, God.
We need to listen to what our bodies are saying? Do we need more rest or do we need to drink more water? Do we need a walk?
We need to listen to our hearts. Do we need to call a friend, send a note of encouragement to a loved one, or send a text message to our spouse?
We need to listen to our Creator. What are His plans for us? He wants to ‘hang out’ with us, to bless our hearts, to pour His love and grace into our emptiness?
 |
| Photo Credit: Merkphotography.comtion |
Melony Teague is a freelance writer who believes everyone has a story to tell and each story is unique and sometimes wilder than fiction. She loves to uncover the good news in society and writes human interest and community pieces. As co-author of As the Ink Flows, she loves to inspire and motivate others through her written words. In her spare time, she reviews books and interviews authors on her website. She also teaches seniors in her local community to write their own personal story. She writes Contemporary Romance with a dash of humor. Member of ACFW. Melony Teague was born in South Africa and immigrated to Canada. She now lives in Toronto with her husband and their two children and two cats.
WEBSITE: https://www.melonyteague.com/
FOLLOW ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelonyTeague
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melonyteague/
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/melonyteague/
FOLLOW ON GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14249646.Melony_Teague
As The Ink Flows, Devotions to Inspire Christian Writers & Speakers -
"Whether beginners or seasoned pros, writers and speakers of all types will find inspiration and gentle encouragement within the pages of As the Ink Flows. It's a breath of fresh air for the creative soul!" — Carla Laureano, RITA® Award Winning Author
Book Links:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NmyU4v
Christianbook.com: http://ow.ly/6Z7K30nNIig
Judson Press: https://www.judsonpress.com/Products/J237/as-the-ink-flows.aspx?bCategory=JPBKS!JPINSP
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/A0EP30nNIzZ
