Perpetual Motion
“How can I lead people into a quiet place beside still waters if I am in perpetual motion?”
- Eugene H. Peterson
While reading the other morning, I came across this question from Eugene Peterson that I couldn’t move past. Ironically, I had written down the same quote at a conference last month, but this time the words seemed to jump right off the page.
I felt both convicted and hopeful all at once.
Just moments before, I had passed on a kind invitation from a friend. I’ve noticed I have been turning down any commitments that might take my focus from the work I am doing right now. I’m in a season where I’m saying no more often than feels comfortable for me.
Over the past decade, my health has really been a struggle and I’ve had to rethink how I live and spend my energy. This means living with different boundries.
Alongside that, in the last couple of years I have been navigating deep emotional and relational waters. I’ve needed space to process instead of avoiding these emotions, which only delays healing.
And, like so many of us, I’m in a season of caring: for my family, for others, and for myself - physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
This is all of us in some way. We’re each balancing work, relationships, responsibilities, and the need to tend to our own souls, while still showing up for others.
This is why that quote is so striking to me. The reality is, If I hope to lead others toward still waters, I have to be willing to rest beside them myself. I can’t give away what I do not possess.
Again, these new boundaries make me both hopeful and convicted. And, it makes me think more deeply about Psalm 23:1-3.
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Take three deep breaths.
Inhale fully. Exhale fully.
Invite God into this moment.
Ask him to silence the noise and distractions.
Then, when you are settled, reflect on these words from Psalm 23:1-3
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.”
Now, be quiet. Resist the urge to speak.
Just be still and listen.
If I will let the Lord be my shepherd, I will lack nothing. As I draw closer to Jesus, my soul will slowly begin to become quiet and He will refresh me and guide me to the life He has for me.
May this be true for you too.
Seek well,
Kelli
P.S. If you want to read more about emotional awareness…. check out The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips. Anita teaches that emotions are not feelings to suppress, but signals that help you understand what’s happening inside you. This has helped me a lot in the last season and I hope it’s a blessing to you.
