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Listen while you read: "His Yoke Is Easy"1 (Lyrics) |
The past three years have been like no other period of my life. As a younger person, I worked full-time while also juggling care of my home and family. I have been deeply involved in church and community work over the years. I also love spending time with friends and family. Travel, hobbies, sports, and outdoor activities have been pleasant diversions.
Then, with no warning, the world as we knew it came crashing to a halt. The pandemic changed all of our lives. Only now are we gradually resuming a normal life. Yet, even though the world around us is getting back to normal, my life remains quieter than it was before. A year and a half ago, I moved from my home to a 55+ condo community. Because we have about 80 residents living in close contact with one another, we have strict health protocols.
Living in a vulnerable senior community as I do means that my fun activities have been more curtailed than they would have been if I had been living alone. Nonetheless, with reasonable caution, I can still come and go.
No longer do I have a chock-full calendar. A blank spot on the calendar brings a sense of anticipation as I wonder what will happen to fill that day. I normally go for a walk, enjoy reading a book at my favourite coffee shop, and then — who knows what other adventures may come my way!
I do not have to justify my use of every hour of my day, but as I look ahead to a blank slate of a day, I can ask God to bring people into my path and bring thoughts to my mind of beneficial things to do.
Non-routine can be a good thing. It's been good for me to step back from my previously busy lifestyle. I know that these quiet, not-so-busy days may not last forever, so I am enjoying this peaceful period of life for now.
Rather than begrudging the things that I can't do, I focus on enjoying the simple, quiet life that I do have. Scripture gives us guidance on living a quiet, peaceful life.
Proverbs 19:23 – Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. (NLT)
Philippians 4:11 – Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. (NLT)
1 Thessalonians 4:11 – Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. (NLT)
Can we learn the secret of living quiet, yet worthwhile, productive lives? We can trust God to use us for His purposes regardless of the stage of life in which we find ourselves.
Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, calm our spirits as we walk through our frenetic world. Give us peace as we rely on You to lead us and protect us. Amen.
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Thank you for your reflection on living a quiet life. At 85 I have lots of “what am I going to do today” times. Your words blest me.
We have all been challenged to make difficult changes in our life – with Faith and God’s directions all is good. Exodus 14; 13, 14
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. May God bless our senior years with love, family, and purpose. Blessings.
Third day of snow here – unusual and having a quietening effect on my days. Time to find peace. Thank you, Gail for your words,
(BC)
Loved your devotion today. Thanks for sharing. It’s amazing how our God goes with us through all the seasons of our lives. Praise God!
Enjoying life.
I could really relate to your devotion today, Gail! In fact, as I began reading it I thought to myself that I could have written this! The Lord works in mysterious ways. May God bless you to be a blessing to others!
Gail, your words remind me of the Lord’s leading beside “quiet waters” and making me lie down in green pastures. God’s gift of quiet times is for us to restore our souls. I too am thankful for such times. Thanks for the reminder to recognize Him as we enjoy these moments.
Thank you so much for telling, so accurately, the story of my life and reminding me that like 1Thessalonians4:11, I can use my hobby (hands) of card-making to encourage and share my love of Jesus in a simple loving way.1 Thessalonians3:8 NVC “Our life is really full if you stand strong in the Lord” Thank you for sharing your gift of words
Thank you for your much needed devotion. I live in the same type of retirement place and am gradually returning to “normal” after many months of “shut down.” Your devotion helped me to see God still has a plan for me but slower pace. I hear Be STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD, and this verse gives me great comfort. Thank you for your reminder.
(Texas)
You have described the changes to our lives so well.
I loved volunteering in many organizations including the church.
Now all is changed.
Last year I spent with my son who was diagnosed with AML.
Before he was Promoted to Glory, we shared so much.
Today I am trying to find my way again.
One thing I know, no matter how smooth or how rough this day, God’s with us all the way.
Shalom to you and yours.
Thanks, Gail, for another of your very meaningful devotionals. Yes, life sure has been different since the start of this pandemic and socialization sure is different . I feel our church attendance really changed when services were put online and even though we can gather in person again there are those who have adapted to just staying home and listening online. I can understand and feel your meaning of a “quiet life”, however we can consider it as another gift from our Lord and give Him thanks as we spend more time reading and delving into His word. I always appreciate and enjoy your writings.
Good morning, Gail,
Well I love your message. I also live a much quieter life and grateful that I have that freedom because I am retired. I am grateful that I was born with the ability to be content with what I have and not be envious what someone else might have. Great passages from the Bible to emphasis your point.
I enjoy your devotionals and am glad that you are content to write your feelings. Thank you. May you enjoy a quiet day full of contentment and joy. Blessings.
Good morning, Gail,
Thank you for your good words this morning. We know exactly what you are talking about being lonely. Both my wife and I were very involved as volunteers at the local long term care centre. She to help out with programs, I used to lead a Bible discussion twice a month as well as worship and memorial services. Covid put a stop to that. Then I had a serious illness and my wife has Alzheimer’s now, early stage but curtailing activities just the same. My good special friends at the church have passed away. We have grandchildren here in the area, but they are all working, have families of their own, other grandparents as well on both sides of the families. And so it goes. Result is that we feel quite alone at times. I am fortunate, I have things to do and am able to do and we have learned to be content with our situation.
Thank you.
Thank you, Gail, for sharing your life with us.