Sunday, July 30, 2017

Choosing the quiet life...



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. 

Blessings,
your sister in Christ,



19 comments:

Dawn said...

Thanks for sharing, I need to slow down and totally refocus ..just picked up rhe book at Kooring , The best Yes! Challenging me to what I say yes too...confirmation reading this today. Hugs xxx

Buddy Love Creations said...

I missed what book you were referring to?

Jenny of Elefantz said...

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.

Chris said...

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!

Joanne said...

Hi Jenny,
Did you know that today is World Embroidery day ! ?
http://www.broderiakademin.nu/worldembroideryday/
I read about it here.....
http://queeniepatch.blogspot.nl/2017/07/dont-miss-it-wed-30th-july.html

enjoying your blog posts!

Take care,
Joanne

Suze said...

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.

God bless.

Allie-oops Designs said...

Amen amen amen....

Linda said...

Hi Jenny...I don't think I have commented before, and have only been following you for maybe a year, but please know that I love your creativity and your blog is such a gentle inspiration to me each time I receive a post or visit your site. I think it reminds me of the times I would go visit my maternal grandmother and she would show me what she had been working on, and invite me to join her in embroidery, quilt making, painting and cooking. Not so much gardening, though that is another one of my occupations. Before my husband and I retired, we had our own business operating out of our house, and we enjoyed getting away often. I truly expected us to become vagabonds after retiring, going here and there, rambling. But no, once we retired, I found no place was so lovely to be than our own little home and yard. It is the most peaceful place (to us). And I have enjoyed getting reacquainted with my sewing machine, which had sat unused for 20 years, and with needles and thread and knitting needles and yarn. I also love working hard around our little place here, tending the chickens and the garden without poisions, and seeing what nature is thriving all around us. I live in the town than Monsanto sprang from, and try to provide a haven for life here, to hopefully counter some of the destruction that companies like Monsanto are imposing on the world. I wish I could communicate my delight when I had tree frogs lay eggs in a couple of our water collection tubs, and have watched the tadpoles develop. I know many of us are creating oasises here and there where people and nature can thrive in love and beauty. Well, sorry for the rant, got off topic here, but love the beauty that you add to my world. Sending you big hugs and blessings! Best, Linda B

May said...

Your beautiful Posts Jenny add such peace to my life... I am trying so hard to get were you are... after retiring from a busy job I'm a little lost and your wonderful blog with your gorgeous creations and posts are helping me so much... Thank you Jenny Have a blessed day May x x x x

Natureluvr57 said...

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.

Gretchen Weaver said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

Janice said...

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.

Little Penpen said...

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.

http://thankfullga447 said...

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.

Debby said...

These are true words. I share your thoughts.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

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.
hugs
Jenny

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Suze, don't feel guilt. No matter our circumstances we can all be contributors in this life...and sometimes our contribution is not physical, but the gift of offering kindness and encouragement to others. Being an 'ear to hear' is not as common as it once was, yet this is a valuable gift you can offer those who simply need to talk, to process their thoughts. Sweet girl, I believe you abound in goodness and that shall flow into the lives of others. xx

Mary E. Stephens said...

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!

Your thoughts go very well with the article I wrote last week on not "pushing through" but living in steady perseverance. It always fascinates me when the Lord puts the same subject into the minds of several of His blogging daughters at once! :-)