It takes courage, of course, to step out of the fray, as it takes courage to do anything that’s necessary, whether tending to a loved one on her deathbed or turning away from that sugarcoated doughnut. And with billions of our global neighbors in crying need, with so much in every life that has to be done, it can sound selfish to take a break or go off to a quiet place.
But as soon as you sit still, you find that it actually brings you closer to others, in both understanding and sympathy. As the meditative video artist Bill Viola notes, it’s the man who steps away from the world whose sleeve is wet with tears for it.
~Pico Iyer in The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere
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.
I walked by the sea this week, walked and walked and walked, five or six miles. I had a list of things I wanted to accomplish that day, but my husband decided, spur of the moment, to take an extra day off, and drive to the beach. That walk by the sea was healing and strength to my body, soul and spirit.
Oh, Elizabeth. That sounds so wonderful. The air, the water, the sand, the breeze… I’m breathing slower just thinking about it.
I want “sleeve is wet with tears for it” (the world). Thank you for the reminder to step away. Have a blessed weekend!
That one line made me catch my breath. I read it several times. Have a beautiful weekend, Joanne.
Overtones of Sabbath-mindedness in the quote you shared, and I loved the huge contrast between the turning away from the doughnut — turning toward the death bed to minister. This is the huge spectrum along which we live our days, and we need grace for it all. Thank you, Sandra, for your words today.
It is surprising how much our attitudes shift when we step away from the busyness, even ministry busyness, and are still. God wants us to be still and also to wait and listen. Enjoying doing more of that myself these last couple of months with the forced slow down of a broken wrist.
Thanks for this link up party Sandra and blessings,
Patti
Rest–a must have. Beautiful words and gorgeous photos. Thanks so much, Sandra.
Beautiful, mellow lighting in these images. A wonderful sense of peace.
As we sit quietly with Him we grow closer to others He calls to our heart in prayer, as well as to Him. Thank you for the uplifting post and for hosting. God bless,
Laurie