Time is a strong current pulling me downstream in turbulent wind. When I arrive on the shore of the weekend, I can’t remember how I got there. I was singularly focused on keeping my head above water.
On Saturday, I stand in morning drizzle; shake the world off like a wet dog ready for supper. Circle the landscape to find my way back home. At sundown, my wet thoughts drip on the clothes line of drenched distraction, puddle in a hollow of loamy soil beneath.
Sunday, I awaken to slanted light, cerulean sky and sprouts poking through the hollow place. I can’t identify the flora or name it. But their lime green spindles widen my eyes to wonder.
By sundown, my favorite flowers stand sturdy beneath the empty clothesline of pins spinning wildly in the breeze. A sweet fragrance wafts from their vibrant budded stocks and lingers like fog in London through the rooms of my house.
On Monday, I stand on the sunny shore of calm water and empty boats. Holding an oar in one hand, a bouquet of hope tied with white satin ribbon in the other, I straddle the new week. It looks like fair weather. But then again, time is fickle, like a strong current pulling me downstream.
And Sabbath, it helps me to remember where I’m going when I lose my way. It’s an unexpected gift blooming in the hollow places.
But God, dear Lord, I only have eyes for you. Since I’ve run for dear life to you, take good care of me. Psalm 141:8
For your weekend reading:
Art for the Common Good: Scott Erickson by Laura Boggess – “Our truest songs—there are two of them,” he says. “And Jesus reveals both of them to us.”
Kingdom Come: On the Mind, the Wait, and the Delight by Amber Haines at (in)courage
The Scars We All Wear by Duane Scott – Warning: you may need tissues nearby.
When It’s Okay Not to Have Joy by Kelli Woodford at Imperfect Prose
Dear Poet, Writer, Author, Friend by Elizabeth Marshall
Wisdom and Sabbath Rest by Tim Keller – I like what he says about approaching Sabbath as an introvert or an extrovert in this one.
And finally if you want to know more about joining the Surrendering to Sabbath Society, learn more here. Join the community of Redemptions Beauty and subscribe by email here for new posts every week.
Welcome to the weekend friends!
Hi Shelly,
This is beautiful! time eludes us, yet the joy of a single moment resting in His presence could last throughout eternity. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting on Saved by Grace! Your blog is a blessing and I am now following it, and I invite you to follow Saved by Grace:
http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/
Love in Him,
Laurie Collett
Thanks Laurie, appreciate your follow, glad you are joining the community here.
Wow, Shelly, that rocks! I’m chewing on this today.
Beautiful prose, Shelly. And that last photo is magnificent!!
I took it on a walk home, laid down on the street in a neighborhood. Luckily no one was around. Someone was probably watching me out the window saying, “Look at that crazy lady with her camera!”.
I’m really loving how deeply you are delving in to the Sabbath. It makes this heart ponder deeply.
It’s been a rich experience partnering with over 70 women to observe Sabbath. Blowin’ my socks off.
Absolutely love this, Shelly. How we feel the tug of time’s current trying to drag us under. Coming up for air only to be sucked back once more. Oh, for those calm waters, the tranquil spaces and places that Holy Spirit inhabits and invites us to join Him in. Carving out the slivers so we can be still. Just to read your delightful God-inspired prose is to be calmed by the breath of Peace and Wholeness in “the hollow places”. Thank you for a Sabbath rest 🙂
I’m savoring each moment as the weekend winds down Joy. Thanks for being here.
“Sabbath, it helps me to remember where I’m going when lose my way.” Yes, blessed focal point, bringing sanity to the whirlwind. And what vibrant imagery!
And what a feast of links! So much wisdom in the Keller post. And you have no idea how much Art for the Common Good with its Scott Erickson video and the “Dear Poet…” post taken together “met” me this week, right where the aching questions howled. I needed these so badly! Thanks so much for putting all this together.
Oh, I’m so glad the links were a blessing Sylvia. I have to tell you that I had some trouble with my internet dropping off and had to repost everything three times. Your comment lets me know it was worth the frustration, thank you.
I came over feeling pretty lost . . . but your words and photos are like hints of home.
AND THEN I find my post linked here!
Thanks, Shelly. You bless me. More than you know.
I prayed for you many times over the weekend Kelli, you are a treasure. Glad to share your inspired, beautiful prose.
Your words are poetry. Lovely.
Thank you Elizabeth.
Fear and dread can overtake the truth of our days. The world can do nothing without our Father either causing or allowing it. When we revere the things of this world more than we do our Father the truth and life are void in us. God speaks His truths into my tough days… Sometimes through other people’s words…. Like these today…
Floyd, your comment blesses me. And your words inspire. Thank you for stopping by.
Read the Tim Keller piece. I loved this: “It may happen that you will fall behind, and yet retain your sanity.” I’ll take sanity, thank you very much. P.S. quietly returning to the practice of sabbath after a difficult season.
Love that quote Megan, sanity is a good thing, yes? Sabbath is a good salve to heal difficult seasons . . I know this well.
Ah-mazing picture, Shelly!
Thanks Margaret! Always have fun on my Sabbath walks with the camera. The neighbors may think I’m a bit crazy when I lay down on the road to take a photo of some moss underneath a tree.
I am so thankful for you and how you challenge me to observe this Sabbath. It is a continual challenge and blessing to learn to embrace stillness and quiet, without fear or condemnation. Thank you, my friend. You are so lovely.
So glad you are doing it Kris. I know how much it will enrich the rest of your week, what a gift it is to yourself and to God.
I am so grateful you started this series. I am amazed at the response too.
Love your line: And Sabbath, it helps me to remember where I’m going when I lose my way. It’s an unexpected gift blooming in the hollow places.
so true.
That Tim Keller piece was wonderful. I copied it to study it more.
Finally blogged again about Sabbath this week. Interesting growth edge for me.
Thanks again Shelly
Your comment here Jean? It makes Surrendering to Sabbath worth every minute. Thank you.