A door opens in the center of our being
and we seem to fall through it
into immense depths which,
although they are infinite,
are all accessible to us;
all eternity seems to have become ours
in this one placid and breathless contact.
God touches us with a touch that is emptiness
and empties us.
God moves us with a simplicity
that simplifies us.
~Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation
In the stillness,
Sandy
Welcome to the Still Saturday Community where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and reflect on the depth of sparse words. We’d love for you to join us. Grab the button and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to be still together, to gaze long and drink deep.
Elizabeth Stewart says
Photos of the sea, my favorite place! That quote is perfectly paired with these beautiful photos.
Sandra Heska King says
Yes. Sea, sand, sky, sun… and sunset. This is Grace. And that is grace. 🙂
Michele Morin says
Emptiness that empties.
Simplicity that simplifies.
These words from Merton are a gift to me this Saturday morning. Thank you for putting them here and illustrating them so beautifully with your photos.
Sandra Heska King says
Every line of this passage makes me pause. I hope you have a beautiful week, Michele–empty and full.
Jason Stasyszen says
Makes me want to go to the ocean–right now! So beautiful. And thankful He is faithful to simplify us. It’s a wonderful thing. Thank you, Sandra.
Sandra Heska King says
I’m with you, Jason. And it’s amazing what He will do if we only stop long enough to let Him, if we empty our schedule. It’s much simpler to let Him do it anyway.
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
Beautiful photo and caption as always, Sandra. Thank you for the beautiful reminder of God’s work in our lives.
May He continue to fill your cup to overflowing.
Sandra Heska King says
He who began a good work in you, Heather, will carry in on to completion. Carry on, friend, and have an overflowing week of wonder.
~ linda says
What beautiful words, leaving me with a peace that is sweet. The spray of the ocean dampens my face, tasting the saltwater. So grateful I came by today.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Sandra Heska King says
I am grateful, too, Linda. I love to close my eyes and imagine the sound of the highway traffic is really waves on the shore. 🙂
Tayrina says
Lovely message and pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing and hosting! Be blessed!
W/Love,
Tayrina from TGAWrites
Sandra Heska King says
Thank you, Tayrina. So beautiful to see you here.
Laurie Collett says
Beautiful photo and poem! Thanks for hosting & God bless.
Sandra Heska King says
Sending love to you, Laurie.
S. Etole says
Wonderful serenity in the images and the Merton quote is so apt.
Sandra Heska King says
This really speaks to me. Thinking of you often lately, Susan. Missing Callie Cat.
Dolly@Soulstops says
Sandra,
Oh, lovely photo and I always appreciate how God simplifies things and my desires….blessings…can’t wait to see you 🙂
Sandra Heska King says
Only four more days!
Joanne Viola says
Amazing to just sit & think of the ways God works in our lives. Beautiful words!
Sandra Heska King says
And behind the scenes… places we can’t see or even conceive, carrying out His plan.
Nina says
Longing for to be filled by God’s emptiness and simplicity …
Thank you Sandy for these words and beautiful images!
Sandra Heska King says
Me, too, Nina. Longing, panting like a dehydrated deer…