Still, Small Voice

I push through the glass doors of the office and step out into the sunshine. The day is still blessedly warm, unseasonably for this time of year. Almost unconsciously I shake my hands at my side, shaking off the pressure of the day.

As I walk I inhale, improperly I know, but in the way that I need to at this moment. My chest, not my diaphragm, expands and I allow my shoulders to rise and I inhale the sweet September afternoon air.

Once, twice, three times as I walk toward my car I fill my lungs with life.

The temperature inside of the car is hot; the digital gauge reads eighty degrees. As I smile at the idea of this heat at this time of year, the air conditioner kicks in to bring it down to a more comfortable seventy.

I plug my iPod into the auxiliary jack, and the smooth, velvet sounds of Il Divo performing Hallelujah fill the car. I turn up the volume a bit, wanting to be blanketed in the music.

Stress continues to fall away.

At home I greet the dogs who are ecstatic to have me home. Their greeting is like food for my weary soul this afternoon. I know that Gerry is going to home late this evening, so I don't worry about supper for the moment. Instead, I take the dogs and we go out into the back yard.

I pull a chair over into the sun and put my head back, basking in the therapy it brings. As I sit I pray. There are people and situations on mind that I lift up in prayer. Here and there, this and that, one thing leads to another. As I pray I relax, comforted in the thought that there is Someone else in charge.

Eventually I am quiet. I sit, looking at the beauty in my yard, filled with gratitude, and at peace.

And then that still, small, voice that I know so well speaks and reminds me of something I have been reminded of before.

"In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quiet and confidence is your strength." (Isaiah 30:15)

In that moment I am all of these things. Repentent, at rest, quiet, and confident that all is as it should be at this very moment.

8 comments:

Janna Leadbetter said...

Beautiful afternoon, so beautifully told. Thanks for sharing your moments, and the scripture. I like that one.

Deb said...

I felt like I was there with you...great writing...great message

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

Like Deb, I feel like I was sharing your experience. It was beautiful and touched my soul. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Very beautiful ... your words create pictures. That's quite a talent!

Small Footprints
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Gloria said...

A quite beautiful piece, I actually felt as if I was watching you leave your office, arrive at home thru to the dogs ecstasy upon your arrival home. Very talented . . I'm going to sign up to follow you.

Perhaps you'll find the time to visit my blog. I'm a new blogger and so would value any comments you might make.

Beth W. said...

Wonderful. Your present tense voice pulled me in, and I found myself taking deep breaths, too.

Carmen said...

Beautiful! All of it!

Wendy Love said...

Oh that was a beautiful description of a special time. Thank you for sharing that!