Today's Lectionary TextCome and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead, BY SHIRLEY ERENA MURRAY Words © 1992, 2005 Hope Publishing Company, 380 S Main Pl, Carol Stream, IL 60188 ![]() Today's Devotional
When I find myself in distress or completely overwhelmed there is a place I can go where as soon as I enter, I can feel my blood pressure drop and a calm come over me.
It’s Barnes & Noble. There is something soothing to me about the hushed atmosphere of a bookstore. And while I’m sure you can get the same feeling at the library, I’m terrible at returning books on time. At Barnes & Noble, the books are in a specific order appealing to my “ducks in a row” tendencies, the sections are clearly marked, and all the new goodies are on display. Roaming from section to section to see old friends and find new ones, seeing what others have recommended and looking for a gorgeous cover that invites me to open and read the summary to see if a new friend is coming home with me calms my anxiety and soothes my soul. I realize bookstores don’t have this effect on everyone, but for me they are a quiet center. The ambiance shushes my fears and anxiety, allows me to revel in the familiar and explore new adventures all in one place. My mind can quiet and be at peace before walking back out those doors to real life. I can and do often experience this feeling in my church sanctuary but it’s good to know there are other places I can go to find my quiet center when things get overwhelming and chaotic. This is a place where God and I can meet outside of church, to be at peace with one another and regain the balance I’ve lost. Do you have a place outside of church that speaks to you in this way? Or is there a space you retreat to when you need to seek the quite center? -Lisa Soukup
communications administrative assistant lsoukup@greatplainsumc.org *originally published 8/2/2019 **And yes, its still true today. Prayer for ReflectionHeavenly Father, help us to seek out those places that we can meet and just be with you.
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