There is Peace in God's Pace

Slow down, be still, and breathe.

I was preparing for a speaking engagement and eager to get some serious writing done. I decided to make a trip to our local library one morning. This mom was ready to work! So I packed a cooler with snacks and drinks, got my kids ready, and loaded everyone into the minivan—a mom on a mission.

We parked, unloaded, and started walking up to the big double doors. It was a beautiful day. As I was headed toward the entrance, I was praying that the Lord would keep my kids quiet and entertained so I could get a lot of work done.

“Please, Lord. Help me to get stuff done today. Keep my kids quiet and happy so I can write. This is important and I want to do a good job,” I prayed.

Right before I reached the double doors, God replied.

“Just take your kids to the library,” God whispered.

At first I felt defeated. “Okay, I guess that means I’m not getting any work done today Lord,” I quietly replied.

But then I settled into the idea. I was relieved. Yes, I was putting pressure on everyone with my (unrealistic) expectations. My young children needed assistance for the whole duration of the library trip!

When all the books were read, the games were played, the library scavenger hunt was completed (boy, was that an undertaking!), and all 50 books were checked out, we finally packed up.

Before leaving the library we stopped by the beautiful butterfly garden. Finally, I could sit down and relax while my kids ate a snack.

A beautiful blooming magnolia captured my attention. I noticed the bud— a gorgeous light brown color and velvet to the touch. I marveled at the magnificent magnolia for several minutes. I smelled the white blooms. I admired her beauty. And then I did what any nature lover does. I googled “interesting facts about magnolias.” I had to know more.

I learned several interesting facts that day. Did you know that the magnolia tree is one of the most ancient flowering species? I sure didn’t! I also learned one of the downfalls to planting a magnolia is that it takes 10 years from seed for the tree to produce its first bloom.

“10 years! That’s a long time! But, it takes the time it takes,” I thought to myself with a smile.

There was a reason God wanted me to stop and smell the magnolia that morning. He wanted to show me something important, to speak to my heart, and to confirm a word He planted a year prior. He helped me with my message in a single moment, not 60 minutes of quiet time at the library.

God is not a God of minutes, but of moments— moments He has already ordained ahead of time and way ahead of our plans!

I was worrying about how much time, how many minutes of peace and quiet I had, but He already had a moment planned for me— a moment of confirmation and inspiration.

Sure, I could have tried to balance my kids needs and my work time at the library that morning, but God had better plans for me. And I believe He has a better plan for you, too.

He wants us to be fully present. Perhaps less multi-tasking and more focus on the task at hand. Perhaps less worrying about how many minutes we have in our day and more concerned with finding God in those moments He has planned for us. Perhaps there’s a better way—stillness.

He knew I couldn’t be still until I reached the butterfly garden. And He met me there- in the stillness. Because He is a God of moments. He is in every minute of our day, but He waits for us to get to the moment He’s prepared for us to meet in the garden.

And that’s partly what it means to live by the Spirit. We ask God for His help, and take His advice when He says, “Slow down and enjoy.” We don’t worry about how we will get it done, but we wait with anticipation and expectation for God to meet us in the garden- in a single moment where He speaks.

What does that look like for you today? This week? I encourage you to spend some time in prayer. Bring all your to-do’s and want-to’s to God. Ask Him for help organizing your week. Ask Him to help you be present in the moment and be ready for all He has for you this week. Open your heart to Him. You might be surprised when He says stop and smell the magnolias!

Remember, friends. God is a God of moments. So slow down, be still, and receive His abundant life. He is with you in every minute and moment of your day. He is God with you, even at the library.

With Love,

Audra

P.S. I would love to hear from you! Share a moment when God met you in stillness. I can’t wait to hear how He will meet you in a divine moment this week. Be blessed!

Magnolia about to bloom in my library’s butterfly garden.

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