Sometimes clarity just can’t come in the midst of the chaos. This doesn’t have to be the big things in life—like gaining clarity in a crazy-making destructive relationship. But sometimes—life is just clamoring a little. Even if we aren’t frazzled or overwhelmed, we can just be going so many directions, and it can be hard to slow down and fully get our bearings.
Last night was one of those times when my mind was just restless. I’d accomplished much during the day. I’d worked my job. Done housework and laundry. Prepared yummy Good-for You-Naturally!* snacks. Exercised. Worked on an art piece.
I’m guessing you have some days like this too. Maybe many similar.
But here it was going on midnight. I wasn’t ready to go to bed yet, even though I knew I had a busy day today. I had paid no attention to the TV since I’d turned it on for background noise. I had prayed and meditated on God’s Word. Nothing was coming to write or journal or plan (even though I have much I need to write and plan.) I couldn’t get back into my art piece.
So I grabbed a small piece of paper—very small, due to the time, and began drawing neurolines and rounding them. Untangling thoughts, or at least clearing brain unrest.
It did its job, and I went to sleep.
This morning I woke up early. Too early. But those thoughts had untangled, and I was ready to write—before they all disappeared into the deep recesses, never to appear again. So write and plan, I did.
Then I got started on my busy day, which is actually a preparation day.
I went through my emails. There God’s confirmation spoke, loud and clear.
“Most of us try to find clarity while staying inside the same routines, responsibilities, and environments that continually pull us away from ourselves.
“A retreat creates different conditions.”
You see, today my preparations include packing. For my own private Retreat. Much needed personal downtime—different routine, responsibilities, and environment. But also time to put feet to a dream I’ve been working most of my life towards. Clarity.
A perfect message, with perfect timing, for confirmation. From an unexpected source that has nothing to do with what I’m doing or working on. (And another confirmation came from another source this week, too.)
This quote about needing different conditions is nothing new to me. Several times in my life I’ve taken retreats to gain clarity and finish projects—usually when writing a book. In more recent years, I’ve created a habit of, at least once a year, getting away for quiet, reflective time alone. My soul regularly needs that restoration. I’ve known I need this retreat, at this time, for this purpose, as full clarity hasn’t been coming—in the midst of my same routine and environment. But I still love it when confirmation smacks me between the eyes. 😊
My soul needs that Selah Retreat. Time to Pause. Ponder. Pray. Praise.
Your soul needs it too! Perhaps not a get-away—or perhaps so. Perhaps it’s your morning quiet time. Perhaps it’s your alone time while the kids nap. Perhaps it’s an occasional afternoon out. Perhaps it’s a true, weekly Sabbath rest.
Whenever it is for you. For however many minutes, hours, or days. We all need Selah moments with the Lord, to restore our souls.
I pray that you get that, in the way that you need. —And that I do too.
And that in the future, I can be a greater “helper of your joy” in this area. 😉
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Living Coram Deo & freely whole
SDG!
~ Liberty—Life Restoration & Soul Transforming Creativity Coach
Empowering you to live a life that is Freely Whole—spirit, soul, and body—in Jesus!
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