“In the relentless busyness of modern life, we have lost the rhythm between work and rest.”  Wayne Muller

One of the greatest benefits of this empty nest season of life is open calendar space. I have learned to love whitespace on the calendar.  Ironically the Hubster has asked for this open calendar space since we were married 24 years ago.  I am unfortunately a very stiff-necked rebellious woman who wants her own way most of the time.  This may or may not be the reason I memorized this verse 15 years ago.

“Who is wise? Let them realize these things.

    Who is discerning? Let them understand.

The ways of the Lord are right;

    the righteous walk in them,

    but the rebellious stumble in them.”  Hosea 14:9

See this lifeless tree in the middle of the photo? This is a symbol to me of drying up by following my own way of doing things.

It hasn’t been easy for me to let go of my own ways. Sometimes it’s still hard. But when I slow myself down and listen to those words again,  my rebellious heart is reminded that the ways of the Lord are right.  His ways are higher than my ways.

In quietness and trust is your strength…

Sabbath listening is a discipline. The practice of listening makes me stop doing things like laundry and web surfing to sit with God’s Word open, with my heart open, and listen to what the Spirit impresses on my heart & mind as I read and ponder.

It has become my favorite day of the week.