I have had a rough couple of days. I am not telling you this because I want sympathy, because I don’t want it, nor do I need it. I am just telling you this because I think we all get to a place in our busy lives when something just has to give. I think if you don’t agree with this statement, you may be lying to yourself. All this really translates to is…we need to seek quietness in our lives. I personally enjoy going to my knees in prayer. I think this is important to me, and if I am not willing to do it when I need to do it, don’t worry, because it will be just a matter of time before He drives me there. In a nutshell, this is what happened to me this week. I think weary hearts need a time of quietness to feel renewed. Plants and flowers need to be dormant in order to bloom. This is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of not being foolish. I think of how differently Europeans live from us Americans (and if you are European, you will understand what I am about to say) . Here are a couple of examples. Germans take two hours a day for lunch in the middle of their work day (lunch being their largest meal) as well as a break for tea around 4pm or so. They also expect you to tell the truth when they ask you things like, “How are you?” If you ask a European this question, expect an HONEST answer. You know what we all say, right? “Fine, thanks”. An automated response that we all say. Have you ever really though about how often you ask people that and then how often do you really mean it? Sometimes I think when you get so driven to get things accomplished you forget the importance of unselfishness, quietness and stillness. I have decided that for the next week, when I create art for his site, I am going to present it quietly. Meaning, as an excersize for myself, I am going to leave out any commentary about my day and just let my work speak for me. If anybody else wants to join me, go right ahead. I need to unclutter my head to make sure my creativity doesn’t suffer. I am looking forward to a time of renewal and revitilization.
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- March 7, 2008 at 6:53 am
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March 7, 2008 at 7:07 am
Becky, thank you so much for posting this so honestly, candidly and eloquently. It was a very good reminder for me and I agree that if we neglect our relationship with Him, He’ll send us a much needed reminder! Enjoy your quiet creativity, I can’t wait to see what happens for you during this time of personal retreat!
March 7, 2008 at 7:35 am
I pray you’re able to have some beautiful time with God and be re-filled to create anew!
March 7, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this post! I, too, admit that I am at a place in my life where I need some quiet, peaceful time. I hope that you find yourself renewed soon. Sending you a hug.
Teresa
March 7, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Sorry you had a rough time. I hope everything will be “quieter” in your life soon!
March 7, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Becky,
good for you for acknowledging you need peace. When we slow down, quiet times can find us.
I know what you mean about sharing on a blog. Sometimes, you want to post, but feel you must give the recipe or how you came up with the idea. Then you don’t. So go ahead, put on whatever you want. I’m sure a picture will suffice. But only when you feel like doing it, not b/c it’s been awhile.
Go hum, read, listen to Copland’s “Gather by the River”. Maybe that will give some inner quietude.
all the best
March 7, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Dear Becky, I’m so glad you made the decision to rest your mind and your soul. You give SO much all the time. Spring is a time of renewal and I know God will bring you peace. I am so grateful for the talent that He has given you in everything you do; wife, mom, musician and artist. It is good you are taking time for yourself. Love you, Mom
March 7, 2008 at 2:51 pm
There is no better place to find quietness but in the hands of God. I’ll say a prayer that you will feel replenished and renewed.
March 7, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I have noticed you have been “quiet” lately and I think that it is a wonderful thing that you have ackowledged how important it is. We all need to rest and our bodies and mind will tell us when that is even if we don’t notice for ourselves. You need to take care of yourself and your family first. Have a quiet peaceful week. LOVE YOU!!
March 7, 2008 at 6:28 pm
A picture can speak a thousand words ….. -Melinda
March 7, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I am not religious, but I know exactly what you mean. I find I can get so caught up in my daily routines, in crafting, in work, etc. that although my body doesn’t feel run down my mind does. And it always helps to refresh the spirit.
March 8, 2008 at 12:47 am
Aw, Beck. I’m sorry you have felt so run down. I’m hoping this weekend you and the husband and kiddies can have some nice time together and just hang out and rest.
March 8, 2008 at 2:32 am
Oh Becky! You are my soul sister! 🙂 Thanks for writing this. Your butterfly cards are stunning.
March 8, 2008 at 4:37 am
Becky… I love your brave and honest spirit! Thank you for reminding me/us… the strength in being still. God is with you and shhhh 🙂
March 8, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Hi Becky
We all need quiet time… Our lives are so hectic, with work, kids, home and whatever else life throws at us. There is nothing wrong with slowing the train down a bit and enjoying the scenery !!
I enjoy your site very much and look forward to many more wonderful creations…
March 8, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Becky,
You absolutely have to do what you need to – there are so many of us out here who appreciate your creativity and we definitely don’t want you to lose that (or your peace of mind!) Good Luck and God Bless!
March 9, 2008 at 1:05 am
Becky,
I so agree. My husband spent most of his career in Germany and Europe… We do need quiet.
I was in my “closet” a lot today…
Quietly creating and reading.
Hugs and I hope things get better.
You inspire me.
emily
March 10, 2008 at 4:09 am
Becky, Thank you for your honesty. The past 18 months have brought the hardest challenges in my life, and so often I find myself giving the “American” answer: “I’m fine”. I will say, for myself, that your creativity has helped me to find a new outlet for some otherwise unhealthy energy. I believe that I was guided to find all of the wonderful people involved in paper-crafting/art.
Always, Sandra
March 11, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Quiet time is a good thing. I just moved to the nethelands from the U.S. and I cant tell you what a difference it has made in my life. I can breathe easier here..ife is more”quiet”. I love your blog,visit often and hope you can stop and smell the flowers in this ever busy world we live in.
March 12, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I so love your post. Why is we all live our life out on the edge never taking the time to spend on things that really matter. I get so tired of doing the things I have to do instead of what I want to do. The american dream should not be all about “what” we have but who we have to share it with. Thanks I needed this today.
Dawn B.
March 12, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Wow. You are amazing.
These butterflies and that gorgeous blue card are just quietly magnificent.
Take it easy. And amen on the Europeans. What the heck is wrong with us?
🙂
March 12, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Oh, Becky–{{{hugs}}}. You are courageous and absolutely correct. And your butterflies and branches above are absolutely beautiful, as well as peaceful!