Being still is not something that comes naturally to most people – certainly in our country anyway. Life seems to be one long constant movement – always something to do – somewhere to go – no time to top and simply be still.

I’m not just referring to being physically still. This need for movement seems ever present. We may sit awhile – yet movement continues. We watch our TVs and films – flick through social media – never still – never really stopping – never ceasing from our outward and inner business.

William Henry Davis wrote a poem I’ve known for many years :

“What is life if full of care

We have no time to stand and star

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows

No time to see, when woods we pass

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass

No time to see in broad daylight

Streams full of stars, like skies at night

No time to turn at Beauty’s glance

And watch her feet, how they can dance

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began

A poor life that is, if full of care

We have no time to stand and stare”

Some of you may have visited other countries where the pace of life is slower. Where you observe people taking time – simply sitting and allowing themselves to absorb the stillness.

For me – I find that I have to be quite deliberate in order to cultivate stillness in my life  it’s not something that comes naturally. I love walking – yet I’m conscious that so often as I walk my mind is so full and so active that I realise I’m not really taking in my surroundings. I have to ‘still’ myself – deliberately look around me – take in the details – open my ears to hear the sounds – make myself aware of the wind on my face or the sun on my back.

My awareness is heightened in the stillness – my spirit touched – my emotions responsive – life is richer.

This morning I experienced a moment that was so unexpected and brought such joy. As I sat in the stillness of the early morning with the doors open – suddenly a jenny wren landed on the book that was sitting on my knee! Wow ! Such a reward for being still.

Spiritually too – stillness adds depth to my experience – sharpens my awareness – draws me closer to God.

I encourage you today to take some time to be still – even for a few moments during your day – pause – look – listen – and be blessed,