In the stillness There comes a calm A time of quiet contemplation
Storms’ great waves That crashed with tumult Chaos, strife, and much distress
Come gather now As silence deepens Open to stop, to pause
Find now rest with indrawn breath Comfort and new direction Readying both body and mind
Heart now waiting Ears unstopped Eyes opened to receive
God with us, Emmanual In deep compassion Holds us gently
Heard is our voice Breath touches pain, anger, fear In His stillness… find new peace
Hope for each day Joy in the moment Faith for life… in His stillness
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Psalm 107:28-30 NIV – “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.“
Ripples… Ripples spreading across the surface of the water. We kids laugh as we challenge each other to see how far we can skip our rocks, chosen with the greatest care for shape, size, and weight. … Dad and mom smile as we enjoy our afternoon at the local lake. We race along the shoreline and then gather at the table for our impromptu picnic of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, perhaps with some chips or apples, maybe some pickles, and something for thirsty throats. Thinking of those happy days makes me smile.
My mind travels ahead through our growing years and into adulthood. I think of all the ripples that have been set in motion by each of our lives. All that we have said, done, and thought echo through the waters of time. Through joy and pain, peace and tumult, life and death… new birth grows around us and through us.
And do we live in contentment? May it be so! For there is One greater than us all, who travels with us and looks after us. They are daily reminders of wonder and awe, if we but see it and hear it, listening fully and resting in God’s awesome presence.
I am reminded of Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “…if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” [Philippians 4:8b, 12b-13]
When discontent churns in me, I have discovered that finding that calm place is a great challenge and sometimes a long road. I cling to God like a young child. His patient love fills me. The psalmist must have had a sense of this as well when he said, “But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” [Psalm 131:2]
So, from this racing world and anxious hearts… for good or harm, the ripples of our being spread. May we turn to God for quiet, compassionate hearts and lips.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23
Ripples… Ripples spreading across the surface of the water. May God’s light shine. Be encouraged.
• Life is a miracle in form and spirit • There is beauty in the simplest of things around you • The fragility of life can be daunting • When you are shattered much is revealed about yourself • Embrace positive thoughts and healthy ways • Ideas and inspiration give birth to greatness • Change happens when cracks form in life • Transformation and change can be painful • There is growth and potential when we persevere • Sometimes growth can be messy • Rolling with situations can reduce stress and avoid crashes • Renew, refresh as each evening you rest • Much amazing good can come from single small beginnings • God is our source of nourishment and strength
– From “Reflections from the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 