Pausing for Thanksgiving: Be Still

Today's blog is written by Renee Rowell, blogger and She Speaks graduate.

"Be still, and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10 

What a wonderful time of year. The onset of autumn with its peaceful, amber glow as the leaves change color and the earth settles into rest from summer's heat. The cool, crisp air carries the familiar fragrances of woody pine cones, falling leaves and the occasional scent of burning wood as fireplaces are lit. The anticipation of family, friends, fellowship and feasting begins to excite and stir the heart.

Ahhhh....simple pleasures.

It’s not long before this quiet reverie is interrupted by the hustle and bustle ritual of what we think it takes to enjoy these simple pleasures:

Prepare the guest list. Check it twice. Make sure no one is left out. Buy the turkey and all the trimmings. Gather all the recipes. Check the pantry to be sure it's stocked. Clean the house to such a sheen that it would make Martha Stewart proud. Carefully place all the decorations so the house looks like the cover of the holiday issue of Southern Living.

Then, there are the questions: Where is that tablecloth...the one that I purchased at last year’s end-of-the-season sale and kept in a safe place to use this year? Will there be enough food? How many days does the turkey need to thaw? Is the guestroom warm enough?

But amid the waves of stress and emotion the gentle voice of the Father reminds us to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

 Being still is a three-part process:

• Pause (a temporary stop)-reflect on God's goodness in your life
• Breathe (to pause and rest before continuing)-take a deep breath, and let your spirit rest
• Be thankful (participate in thankfulness)-call a friend and tell them how much they mean to you. Write a letter to loved ones who cannot be with you during the holidays. Tell your family how much you love them.

Being still requires little effort and brings everything else into perspective, and peace will rule the day.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with many pleasant and peaceful pauses and heartfelt thanks for simple pleasures.

Renee Rowell
Life Outside the Margins

Renee Rowell, lives in Elgin, SC with her husband David and their youngest son. Their eldest son is serving overseas in the U. S. Airforce. For the past twenty-five years she and David have served shoulder-to-shoulder in worship ministry and presently minister at The Church of the Harvest in Lexington, SC. Renee's current projects are blogging at Life Outside the Margins and authoring a book, Loving Like Jesus Loves: Strengthening Your Heart for the Extra Mile. Renee welcomes visitors to her blog or facebook page.