Kim Wilbanks

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

My little dog and I quietly observed the sights and sounds in the stillness of our first morning in the mountains.  The brilliant sun appeared above the ridge, filtering through the trees covered in brand new spring foliage.  Fat Bumblebees buzzed around the hot pink Catawba rhododendron and we enjoyed a serenade by various songbirds —an avian concerto of sorts.

Ahhhh. We’re back.

I awakened to the sound of those songbirds; a much different alarm than what I am used to at home.  My sleep there is interrupted by either a blaring alarm or that oft heard alarm of suburbia in summertime — the lawnmower.  I prefer the songbirds, thank you very much. 

It is so peaceful here, perched up on this mountain.  Time seems to slow down in the mountains making it easier to be still.  It is an environment conducive to reading, writing and simply reflecting.

I think part of it is being in God’s creation.  For example, from where I sit, I see majestic mountains (well, majestic for this Florida girl), towering trees, lovely flowers, Bumblebees and butterflies flitting about.  I hear birds calling, insects buzzing and the unseen creek gurgling below me.  I smell the newly mown grass from the pasture down the road. All of this beauty our creative, Creator God made for us, His beloved children. 

It is also sojourning in a different location than usual.  The problems haven’t gone away.  They are still there and will meet me when I return home.  However, I have removed myself from the problems.  I have retreated and pulled away from the worries of my world.

You know, we have an excellent example of that in our Savior.  The gospels record that Jesus went off by himself to rest and to talk to the Father.

After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone. Matthew 14:23

I encourage you to find a time and a place to be still before the Lord.  Perhaps it isn’t feasible to travel to the mountains or the beach, but is there somewhere else you could go?  A local park, a chapel or a quiet coffee shop? 

Maybe you have children to take care of and finding even a few minutes of peace and quiet is a dream.  You could be like a speaker I heard years ago when I was a young mom.  She would sit in her chair with her apron over her head to have some quiet time with God.  Her children knew not to disturb her when she was under the apron.  A tea towel would work too.

The how and the where aren’t important.  Just find a way to be still and know that He is God.

Here Comes the Sun

Higgins in the Morning

Hidden Waterfall

A Quiet Spot

Catawba Rhododendron by the cabin

Wildflowers

Wildflowers

High Country Scene

Bridge Over Creek in Banner Elk Park

My dog, Higgins, loves this creek.

Dogwood

Deer in the Woods

Do you have trouble being still?  I have to admit, I do.  Where do you find it easiest to be still in the presence of God?  I would love to hear your thoughts.