Last Sunday, Pastor Scott talked about the importance for blocking out time for Jesus in our busy, hectic lives. And, he wasn’t really talking about reading the Bible more, praying longer, or signing up for another small group. To me, it seemed that he was urging us to simply put ourselves in an environment where we could just slow down, listen, and embrace the presence of the Holy One. 

The message reminded me of the importance of having a quiet place. When I lived in Elkhart, I would head out to Bonneyville Mill, hike around, and find a quiet place to simple sit and take it all in. When we lived in Muncie, I would head to the “not-so-busy” side of the Prairie Creek Reservoir, hike around, find a nice spot near the water, sit down and simply take it all in. 

Over the last 2+ years that we have lived in Lafayette, I’ve been searching for a nice, quiet place. While there are many beautiful spots in the Greater Lafayette area, I have had a great deal of trouble finding a spot where I felt like I could simply sit and take it all in. That is, until yesterday.

After lunch, I found myself just going stir crazy and needing to get out of the office. So, I got in my car and started driving. While driving around in what seemed like the middle of nowhere, I saw a sign for what appeared to be a nice, quiet place. I pulled in and my car was the only one in the parking area. This was a good sign!

I hiked around the property for a while…and then…there it was…an amazing spot to just sit and take it all in. 

So, I sat and listened to the wind. I listened to the birds and other animals, bugs, creatures making their wonderfully beautiful tunes. I gazed upon the trees, the plants, the flowers, even the weeds, and found myself awestruck by their beauty. 

And, I listened. I sat and listened…in a meditative sense…attempting to clear my mind of my various lists of tasks…in an attempt to connect with that Inner Voice (aka Holy Spirit). 

It was incredibly refreshing. It was exactly what I needed.

It’s in those quiet times, where I simply get away with God, where I find myself refreshed, renewed, and restored. It is in those quiet times where I find myself being strengthened for what I will face in the days to come.

It is in those quiet times where I am reminded of the importance of simply sitting down and listening…not just for God, but also for what people are trying to say.

I’m not going to tell you where my quiet place is…because it’s mine…and I like my privacy. However, I will encourage you to find a quiet place where you can simply sit and take it all in.

 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ~Mark 1:35

Be still, and know that I am God~Psalm 46:10