Breathe.

It was breathtakingly quiet. Walking along the water’s edge I could hear the water lapping at the shore. I could even hear the sound of the heron’s feet sliding into the water as it stalked past. The sun was warm on my back, the shells making a delicious crunch beneath my feet. I breathed in and out as if to capture in my spirit this serenity that surrounded me. And in that moment I felt my soul sigh as it quietened itself. In that moment, when the busyness of normal life was an hour’s drive away, my soul found rest.

As I walked I let God whisper into my heart. And I whispered back – hopes, dreams, love for Him and worship. I let the peace of His presence envelop me and provide me sustenance. Treasured moments with God.

Having returned from holiday I could be lulled into the false belief that another such precious encounter with God would have to wait for another holiday, another deserted beach when “time” was more available and the call of work and chores can’t be heard. But in the busyness of life these moments are still available to me. They just take a different form. They’re moments when I’m curled up in my chair in my bedroom, a hot cup of tea in my hand and the morning sun resting on me as I read the Bible. They’re moments when I sit at a table in a warm café sipping a flat white and journaling. They’re moments too when as I catch up with friends or linger in a home store and I find God whispering to me – dropping into my heart plans and steps and awakening dreams. They’re moments too when I’m driving to work with the worship music pumped up loud, or am just sitting quietly waiting for the school bell to ring.

Moments – encounters with God – refreshment for the soul – rest for the weary are everywhere. Just pause, breathe and look.

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him.” (Psalm 62:5)

“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” (Psalm 116:7)