Surrendering to Sabbath – Week 16

by | Apr 27, 2013 | Weekend

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This week has been a bit of a blur, the place between holding on to the frayed edges of what God did in community last week and remaining present to the needful of today, mindful of tomorrow’s kiss.

Winds of change blow through my screen porch. I watch her build it one tiny, crooked twig at a time. Clumps of moments swirled in a nest for holding dreams and future promise.

And now she waits. A faint heartbeat is her most intimate companion.

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Perhaps the birth of dreams requires stillness and rest, the sacred space between scurrying in preparation and expectancy. Capturing the fragile moment when the hard shell of fear and self-doubt cracks off to let the Light in, so we can fly free.

Sometimes birds choose their home where they can teach us the true meaning of Sabbath rest, beyond function and activity. I’m paying attention. Are you?

 

Some inspired reading this week:

Lyricism, Church Infighting and the Creed by Seth Haines

Speak Life by Dan King at BibleDude.net

The Crowd and Community by Alia Joy

With Eyes Wide Open by Kelli Woodford

Happy Sabbath Friends!

 

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13 Comments

  1. Michelle DeRusha

    A couple of years ago a cardinal couple built a nest in the shrub right outside our sunroom window. We watched the whole process – the eggs, the hatching, the feeding of the teeny bald chicks. I couldn’t get enough of it – at least three times a day I’d climb on a chair next to the window to peer into their nest. I don’t think they liked being on display though, because once the babies flew the nest, they never built one there again. No one likes to live in a fishbowl – not even birds, apparently!

    Happy Sabbath REST to you, Shelly.

    • Shelly Miller

      I propped myself up on three pillows to try to see in the nest when she flew off Michelle. From what I could tell she hasn’t dropped the eggs yet, can’t wait to see them. She built the nest so close to where we sit on the couch outside, if it weren’t for the screen I could reach out and touch it.

  2. Michelle DeRusha

    A couple of years ago a cardinal couple built a nest in the shrub right outside our sunroom window. We watched the whole process – the eggs, the hatching, the feeding of the teeny bald chicks. I couldn’t get enough of it – at least three times a day I’d climb on a chair next to the window to peer into their nest. I don’t think they liked being on display though, because once the babies flew the nest, they never built one there again. No one likes to live in a fishbowl – not even birds, apparently!

    Happy Sabbath REST to you, Shelly.

  3. Dan King

    Took cool… thanks for adding my piece to this list! I’m honored!

    • kelli woodford

      that’s because it was all kinds of awesome, Dan.
      all. kinds.

      • Dan King

        ha! #fistbump

      • Shelly Miller

        Yep, it was awesome.

  4. kelli woodford

    thank you, my heart-sister.

    • Shelly Miller

      It’s my pleasure to share your beautiful words and thoughts.

  5. Mia

    Dear Shelly
    I once read a story about an art competition to paint a scene of a peaceful place. The winner painted a rushing waterfall, but in front there was a branch with a bird sitting peacefully in its nest! We can truly lear from our feathered friends!
    Blessings from Sandra’s.
    Mia

    • Shelly Miller

      Oh wow, love knowing that Mia, thanks for sharing that.

  6. Joanne Norton

    Beautiful, as usual, Shelley. And it was such a joy to meet you last week. Love our together-photo with Jennifer. Still filled with a smiling heart. Bless you…

  7. Joanne Norton

    And I’m so sorry I mis-typed your name. AAKK!! Bless you, SHELLY!

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