Hurried Stillness
Hurried Stillness by Tiffany Ward
If you have followed my blogs recently, you will notice my focus on the topic of stillness this month. In my own life, I am cultivating more moments to be still and enjoy my surroundings with intention. Earlier this summer, I purchased a beautiful stained glass window hummingbird feeder, being that I am a bird-loving and bird-watching kind of gal. Hanging this feeder strategically where I make time to be still and quiet on my porch is part of my effort to attract peace and joy in my daily life!
The nectar inside the colorful glass vase is clear in appearance and sweet to taste. It has a potent, desirable aroma and I quickly attracted several hummingbirds. As I observed the tiny feathered birds, I found I really enjoyed watching how they approach the feeder. Seeing how their wings move rapidly to guide them up or down with precision. I love that even though their wings move so quickly that they blur, you can still see the complexity in them. I have noticed in my encounters in the early morning or the late evening, it’s usually not until they sit still on the feeder that they can place their beak into the nectar and get a refreshing drink. It has ministered to me the message and teaching of sabbath rest, and soul respite in a way I never really grasped before.
So many of us are like this in life—hurried to seek after the things we want the most. Desperate for a drink. Yearning in flight, questioning, is it safe? Can I stay? Or should I fly away.
A friend of mine reminded me that the hummingbird shows the contrast of busy and seeking and when she finds it, she calms down, dwells and quenches her thirst! ❤️
I also noticed another hummingbird come along and distract—or even dissuade the original hummingbird from lingering. It’s quite interesting to me, how nature seems to mirror the very things we are encountering with people.
We often want the same things, yet we act in our own territorial bubbles, pushing others away with our own hang-ups and dysfunctional behaviors we’ve grown comfortable in—rather than just drinking peacefully on the other side of the feeder.
Another dear friend of mine reminded me, we can learn so much from nature if we take the time to stop and listen. A spirit of observation is key. God speaks to us through all things - especially the challenges! He has taught her to develop her own awareness and understand what so many of us are too stubborn to accept: the challenges are the lesson that will help us grow.
She shared this prayer with me yesterday and I just love it, and I want to share it with all of you! The prayer is not one she or I have come up with on our own but one that could be used to help you. This is a prayer to say with intention for others we struggle with, or for our enemies.
Compassion Meditation Prayer
—to help us forgive and let go of bitterness—
May you be happy, may you be free.
May you be loving, may you be loved.
May you know the fulfillment of what God has planned for you.
May you experience God's deep, profound love for you.
May Jesus Christ be formed in You.
May you know his peace that passes all understanding.
May all good things be yours.
May Jesus' joy be in you and may that joy be complete.
May you know the Lord in all his goodness and compassion.
May you be protected from the evil one amidst every temptation that comes your way.
May the Holy Spirit fill and permeate your entire being.
May you see his glory.
May you be forgiven of every sin.
I forgive you (or "will try to forgive you") of every wound and hurt with all my heart.
May God's goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life.
By William Meninger, Trappist Monk
A prayer in my own words is a heartfelt moment that allows the soul a free connection to the heart of God. Yes, He hears. He knows. He is God. Yet, he invites us to be still before him. To pour out our own hearts. So even when we know he knows, we talk to him anyways. Leaving a little room for Jesus allows for a little less of us being stuck or frightened.
Philippians 4:4-6 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness (faith in God) be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving; let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.” Verses 8 & 9 go onto say we should focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. What we have learned and received and heard and seen through he work of Christ—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
As you are in flight, searching for nectar in this life, let your hurried pace still. Sit a little while longer and drink deeply of the peace and joy available to you always. Let that be your focus in the daily challenges and ups and downs of this life.
Just some hummingbird food for thought…📝🕊️🙌🏼
—Be Treasured