stillness and solitude

Today was one of those rare days when there was nothing pressing to be done and I didn't feel guilty taking time for solitude. Having the luxury of staying inside on a rainy day is noteworthy, indeed. I felt extremely blessed to have the day at home and be able to meditate. Having 2 days off in the middle of the week almost makes up for working 3 weekends in a row. I'm trying to be grateful for that and not let my schedule stress me out, although that's been tough lately. I can almost feel my blood pressure rising just thinking about it, so I won't go there. 

Lately I've become aware that unless I make a conscious effort to be still, there's always some kind of commotion filling my mind. My phone can be quite handy and I'm delighted to use it to shop, listen to audiobooks, and stay in touch with family and friends. But I find myself picking it up any time I have a spare minute, and soon I've wasted many minutes just browsing. My mind becomes cluttered with news, statuses, chats, and other bits and pieces. There's no time for devotions other than listening to the yearly Bible plan while getting ready for the day. I get annoyed easily. I'm craving peace and quiet but there's all this NOISE!! 

One day I'm at home alone and I find a comfy spot to sit and read the Bible, the Messenger, or a devotional book. My phone is out of sight in another room and I refuse to pick it up. I sit in the beautiful silence, listen, and think. The turmoil inside calms and a peace settles around me. Now I can hear if God wants to speak. I want to stay here forever! 

Solitude is good for the soul. It doesn't always have to be spiritual. Sitting in utter silence without any distractions has a way of clearing your mind. I want to make it a priority to step back at least once a week, tune out the demands of work and home, and soak in the balm of being still.