Every morning, I along with many other individuals push that 70 mph speed limit as we head west into work. I always find it amazing the number of individuals that drive into the Raleigh area for work and often wonder how Raleigh will ever manage the growing population. Most mornings I find myself thankful for the hubby's subscription to satellite radio as it helps pass the sometimes hour plus commute. My mornings are filled with a mix of the latest hits, Kenny Chesney's "Dreaming of Beach", my palms up Christian music, and a little NPR. However, there is not a morning or evening where I drive home thinking "Wow, the interstate is so calm and still tonight" but instead comment on the fast paced, weaving in and out of lanes individuals that appear to be in the daily Nascar race.
"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed." -Psalm 107:28-29
On Tuesday evening, I was fortunate enough to drive to the southwest region of our state (beautiful area) and meet with a group of agriculture teachers. It was a great meeting and I enjoyed seeing old college friends, career mentors, and former students AND enjoyed the most delicious chicken pastry EVER! I always enjoy catching up with teachers and seeing the amazing things that are taking place in programs across the state. As I drove home that night watching the sunset, I noticed the "stillness" of the interstate. It was so still that I looked at the clock to see if I had somehow overlooked the time. It was surreal and as I watched the cars around me, it appeared that no one was in a big hurry. It was calm... It was peaceful.... and it was still. It was as if God was telling me to enjoy the moment and reflect on the blessings of life. The beautiful sky created my own little therapy room and my low battery cell phone prevented me from chatting with friends. I had to be still, listen, and reflect.
"Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!" -1 Samuel 12:16
As I cruised with a few other vehicles on I-40, I thought about the retirement dinner I had attended on Saturday for an individual who had served the profession for thirty plus years. As I listened to the speakers share their sweet memories (some left me crying from laughter), I realized the great impact this individual had during his career. I was reminded of why teaching is the greatest profession in my opinion and the number of lives teachers have the opportunity to influence and inspire. As I watched the sunset, I thought about the phone call I had received the previous week and the opportunity for a career change with more money. As I pondered my decision of staying put, I was reminded that sometimes God wants us to be still in life so that He can use us. This individual had been in the same profession for thirty plus years and had made many great contributions to Agricultural Education. I want to retire knowing that I made an impact. Yes, some opportunities are presented as windows of opportunities, but other times we need to think and ask ourselves whats best for us and our family (AND the fact that I LOVE (times a infinity) my job). As the sun slowly set in my rear view mirror, the stillness continued. I thought about God's patience and promise to guide us. He promises sunsets and sunrises and He promises moments of stillness even in the busiest places.... like interstates.
"You will keep perfectly peaceful the one whose mind remains focused on you, because He remains in you." -Isaiah 26:3
Sometimes the greatest moments occur when things are "still" and calm. I love Psalm 46 and the reminder that God is our fortress, our refuge, and our strength. "Be still and know that I am God." Let us remember that life isn't always about the rush to get to work, the rush to drop off our children, or the rush of life. It's okay set the cruise control on 70 only to be slowed to the crawling 35 mph. Maybe it's God calling out to join him in prayer and reflection or maybe some of that good palms up Christian music in the rush hour of morning. Some of my favorite moments with Rob are sitting down to eat dinner with the television off and conversing about the day and life (just like every suppertime meal growing up). Just a reminder to embrace the stillness and remember we don't always need to be connected or in the fast lane to find happiness. Find the blessings and true joy in the daily moments and the little impacts we have the opportunity to make each and every day.
Faith... Patience... Love and LIFE.
As always, thank you so much for reading!