In the Stir

 

“In the stir of too much motion:

Hold still.

Be quiet.

Listen.”

– Margaret Renkl, Late Migrations

 

“Hold still.” It’s a curious expression, a lovely image: stillness in our cupped hands, our thirsty hearts, our open minds; restfulness held like a treasure, quietly, carefully, gratefully.

“Hold still.” Nurture peace. Cultivate kindness. Carry the calm.

 

Nature of the week:

Shadow of the Week:

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Text and photos © 2020 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.

A Child Asleep

 

“A heart at peace gives life to the body.”

– Proverbs 14:30, the Bible –

On the way to the mailbox yesterday, I met my next-door neighbor, who happened to be going to her mailbox. My one-year-old grandson was with me, so I introduced them and apologized for his lack of enthusiasm. He’s in a shy stage. Plus, he was tired. It was nearly naptime. My neighbor, who is also a grandmother, beamed and asked, “Do you just hold him while he sleeps?” I admitted that, yes, in fact, I do. That afternoon as he napped in my arms, I thought of the amazing trust that allows a little one to so fully relax. Then I thought of how Jesus advised us all to be like little children. There’s a lot to unpack in that advice, but part of it is trust. I realized that as my grandson fully relaxed in my arms, I could fully relax in God’s.

“[I]n quietness and trust is your strength.”

– Isaiah 30:15, the Bible –

May your heart find peace and quietness, and may you sense the Presence that holds you.

Nurture peace, cultivate loving kindness, and carry the calm.

(The sketch above is one I made of my own son sleeping when he was small. He’s now the father of the grandson I hold during naptime.)

Nature of the week –our neighborhood thinks it’s spring:

Shadow of the Week:

 

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For my posts on life and the wonder of it all, link here.

 

Text and photos © 2018 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.