There we stood, waiting for the darkness to come. It was a bright, warm, summer morning. Day two of our grand tour of the United States, traveling from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine. On our drive east, we were only slightly north of solar eclipse path, that took place on August 21, 2017.

We carefully planned where to stop before the eclipse took place at a rest area at the just the right time, near Post Falls, Idaho. We had our 3D glasses ready while we waited.

A warm sunny day, the birds chattered above us in the deep green evergreen trees, interspersed with the muted soft green leaves of the maples. Gradually, it grew darker. And cooler. I wished I’d brought a jacket for the drop in the temperature I felt. The birds stopped their chatter. As we stood there, talking among ourselves, even our voices were muted by the strange darkness in the middle of the morning on that sunny day.

Gradually, the skies lightened and our voices were more the normal volume. Soon it was just another ordinary summer morning. We got back into our vehicle and resumed our drive.

I was reminded of that day this morning, as I opened my journal. At the bottom of the blank page was the verse, Be still, and know that I am God! (Psalm 46:10).

I searched for the Hebrew meaning of “still” and discovered it means, “to slacken, let down, or cease.” While most of the psalm was written in the third person, this verse, was in first person. God is speaking directly to the reader–me and now, you as well.

Table all set and ready for our guests.

I pray today, that you can take a moment–or even many moments and be still. Cease striving. Let down.

“Father God, thank you for your constancy and presence. Even when we are busily preparing for what’s next in our day, I am thankful for You in my life and for Your caring, loving ways. Your reminder to cease movement and be quiet before You. That is the best. Thank you Heavenly Father.”

 

 

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