There are a handful of life verses which over more than a quarter century have directed and corrected my path and 1 Thessalonians 4:11 is one of them.
This past week I've been drawn to it time and again and I believe it's the Lord's way of bringing my heart back to it's most natural beat, taking my mind off too many 'should I' or 'could I' temptations for busyness.
Though many choose a life of constant activity and adventure, I am at peace in the quiet, in the slow, in the day to day meanderings of a home based vocation. The temptation to do more comes not from a personal desire but from what others have written is necessary to experience a fulfilling life.
Do you read about someone else's life and imagine your own to be boring, menial or of no real value? Does that cause you to doubt your life choices? Occasionally I succumb to this, usually when I am physically or emotionally weary.
Thankfully the Lord soon draws my eyes and ears away from that road and reminds me gently of my own nature, the things which give satisfaction time and again.
And this is what happened around 4am this morning...He brought tranquility into the pre-dawn darkness and settled my thoughts on the goodness around me, the natural rhythm and hum of this home-based life I embrace, the fullness of heart which brings me joy as I serve my loved ones and share His grace. And I was happy.
Being in the moment, taking in each sound, every fragrance and the visual beauty God has created for our senses...it grounds me. Revives my soul. It allows me to breathe.
For those who choose the whir of a busy life I wish them well. But for me?
It's the quiet life, the gentle domestic life, which I delight in.
I missed what book you were referring to?
No particular book, Buddy Love Creations...the reading could have come from blogs, magazines, books. It's a general thing that I come across regularly.
Yes!! I also love that verse and come back to it. Love all the rest you have written, too. We are kindred spirits and God made us as we are!
Did you know that today is World Embroidery day ! ?
I love your posts and they add peace to my life. However, I often suffer guilt because I feel I should contribute more to society. Honestly I have total deafness in one ear and am losing hearing in the other, I have arthritis in my hip and hands etc. Most days I really struggle to get through the day.
I sometimes envy my friends that retired and they are always on the go. But then I've always been a "homebody". I love to stay at home in my comfort zone, sewing-quilting-embroidering-cross stitching-crocheting, I sometimes wonder how anyone could become bored, I never do. All my on the go friends have no hobbies, I guess that's why they must be in perpetual motion. In the summer I have my garden to tend to. They have husbands to do that for them. I'm single & have to do it myself or do without. I have a precious dog that's been battling cancer for years, so I'm blessed she's still with me because the doctor's are shocked she's still living and doing so well. It's a financial burden and I can't leave her at home to run about the country if I wanted to. So the envy doesn't last long, I wouldn't be happy traveling all the time. Before I die, I would love to visit an ocean beach but if I don't, that's okay too.
I too enjoy staying home. We are farmers so our work is here where we live. There is nothing more enjoyable to me than to be at home. Thank you for your inspiration as you share your journey in following God's will.
I agree more and more as I become more wise - never quite wise, but approaching it more closely as years go by. I'm so grateful to the young mothers around me whose lives constantly remind me that no success can compensate for failure to appreciate family and the quiet happiness it brings, even in the midst of its turmoil. Serving our families with love and gentle caring is the best thing, the most healing thing we can do.
I understand completely where you are coming from. Having worked full time since leaving school, I'm looking forward to winding back and spending more time at home, cooking, sewing, gardening and helping Mum. There is nothing nicer than being in a calm, happy home, such as yours.
I needed this today. Thank you. I have been talking with someone about a contract job (nursing) that really doesn't pay that well, considering the time I would be investing. This post helps me to realize that home is where I want to be, being available for my family, marching to the beat of 'our' drum and not someone else's. Thank you again.
I am so thankful for my quiet life and it is such a blessing. I don't need much and nature is such a reward for me.
These are true words. I share your thoughts.
Linda, thank you for sharing of your life, the changes you are making - the oasis. Made me sigh with satisfaction and joy. You are blessed, and in turn you are being a blessing.
Dear Jenny, thank you for this lovely post! It was such a blessing to me today. I also desire and need to live a quiet domestic life, resting in the Lord and His will for me. It is something that He has to remind me of from time to time as well. Sometimes I feel frustrated because I don't get "enough" done, and there is more that I could do. But, I have to remember that if I did everything that I *could* do, I probably wouldn't have strength for the things that are most important!