I am not very good at being patient. I can sit still, but my mind is always busy thinking, planning, problem-solving, and worrying about things that need to be done. This impatience has only gotten worse over the past year and a half as we've all struggled with the effects of the pandemic.
This week I am on vacation. On the first day of my trip, a friend texted me very early in the morning, forgetting that I was in a different time zone. After that text, I decided to head out to the beach. When I got there, I found myself all alone. I don't think I've ever had the opportunity to have a whole stretch of beach to myself as I did that early morning. It was incredible and so peaceful.
Out there on the beach alone, something special happened. My mind slowed down as I took in the beauty and magnificence of God's creation. Not just the visual beauty but the feel of the breeze and the sounds of the waves and the birds. Somehow all the clutter in my mind disappeared, and I just relaxed in God's presence.
I didn't realize until that morning how busy and cluttered my mind has been lately. Yes, I spend time in scripture and prayer, and I do slow down some. But there was still this underlying busyness and stress that I hadn’t noticed because I'd just gotten so used to it.
Since that first day of my vacation, I have set my alarm to get up early and spend time on the beach alone, resting in God’s presence each morning. I am so thankful for the gift of rest and the opportunity to slow down and reset my mind and soul. I am also now more aware that I need to pay closer attention to how busy my mind is and take time to give myself a break.