The Simplest Way To Slow Down
“Each of us is under a divine mandate to become an amateur astronomer, to peer into the incalculable depths of sky and space to behold the handiwork of our omnipotent Creator.”–Sam Storms
In my younger years, I’d cross country ski at night under a full moon. The moon-glow would transform my exercise into a magical experience.
I’d always come home with a settled soul.
Yet as I aged, the carousel of life seemed to move faster and faster. And I found myself less able to still my spirit.
The skiing opportunities were largely exchanged for children’s activities and work. Vacations to breathe in the cleansing mix of water and wilderness became occasional at best.
I found myself burdened with far too much. “Much” of which I struggled with letting go. Occasionally, I still do.
I doubt I’m the only one who has been on this wild ride. And I’m grateful now to have hope to offer others. You don’t have to just endure the hyper pace.
The simplest way to slow down is to put on the brakes.
And the most effective way to apply the brakes of life and unburden is to shift our focus from the ride we’re on to God. He is always the answer to letting go. He is where we find peace.
And what easier way to glimpse Him than viewing His vast heavens.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge” (Psalm 19: 1-2).
In other words, simply look up. Better yet, look up on a clear night.
It is amazing how the world somehow rights itself under the expanse of a peaceful night sky.
So when your life’s ride gets out of control, step off for awhile. Leave the city lights behind, turn off digital devices, and soak in the declaration of the Lord’s glory.
Steal away for a few minutes or a few hours to be settled by a glimpse of His majesty. You may just find me there.
Question: What’s your favorite way to settle your spirit? Or if you don’t already have a way, try this one and tell me what you think in the comments.
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By His grace ≈ Julie
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Find hope in your real-life struggles. We'll chase it together! I am a wife; mom of 4 (including a young adult daughter with special needs); miscarriage mom of 5; author & follower of Jesus Christ. I write, edit, speak and enjoy everything outdoors.
A year and a half ago, I lost my grandma. Out of this loss came the beauty of being reacquainted with one of my brothers. We hadn’t seen each other for about 17 years until the day of Grandma’s funeral. That night, he and I stood out on our sister’s deck and looked up at the sky. At the same time, we pointed out the constellation Orion, and were instantly filled with memories of when we were children. We used to spend many nights outside staring at the sky as children… when I taught him and my other brothers the different constellations. For many years now, this has been a peaceful calming activity for me to do… but I had forgotten how it all started. But, I still find myself doing this when life gets to be too much… I go stand out under the stars and just marvel at all God has created.
Thank you for such a beautiful post, and for reminding me that I really do need to go enjoy those stars again.
“Beauty from ashes” came to mind with your touching story, Brandi. Thank you for sharing it. May God’s vast heavens continue to bring hope and peace in your life.
Thanks for the reminder Julie! As a mama of a six-month-old I am learning how to find new ways to take that time to “settle my soul” and it is difficult! I used to go out into nature, and this season of life doesn’t allow for that often. But I am reminded to two things through your post:
1) I need to make sure to take that time each day, even if its in my living room chair for five minutes
2) I need to demonstrate to my little one how getting away in nature can help refresh our spirits and give us new ears to hear God speak. I can still go out, and bring her with me.
I am inspired by you today! Thanks! 🙂
I’m thankful you’ve gleaned those 2 important points form my post, Summer. When my first-born was an infant, I was determined he would have fresh air every day. So I’d bundle him up and out we’d go (there may have been a little obsessiveness going on here :). There are wonderful ways to experience nature with your daughter. It takes a little extra planning, but even exhausted mamas can lay on a blanket w/ their babes and enjoy God’s dazzling night-time show. Enjoy the special season you are in–I do miss it.
Hi Julie, It is my hubby that alway says honey come out and look at the stars there beautiful ! I have come to that place of over load so many times. And as you said, it is when I apply the brakes and stop and sit in His presence. I think it is s hard at times to just say NO to all that comes to distract me. But I am learning and growing all the time. I have enjoyed reading some of your post.Your very gifted in writing.
Blssings, Roxy
Learning and growing is a perfect place to be, Roxy! Thank you for your kind words.
I wrote this post from an area of weakness because I have great difficulty sitting still and not “doing” something. Yet the incredible expanse of the heavens has a way of plopping me down and keeping me there–so settling!