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There’s something beautiful about summer blooms and crisp cool air. Illinois Windy City has reminded me of that this week.
Attending the Author Conservatory’s first Graduation in conjunction with Write to Publish has been a quieter start than usual. Fewer pitches, but more one-on-one conversations. Less chaos, and more presence. I always anticipated that peace would come from the mountains. Perhaps it actually begins wherever we’re willing to find joy in simplicity.
I’ve known for a long time that my life has needed a reset. Living at a chaotic and unpredictable pace isn’t sustainable—at least not long-term. Rest has been calling my name for nearly a decade. Wouldn’t you think it’s time I start listening?
Our culture ignores the Sabbath. I’m still learning to understand what it is and what it means to me. Something tells me it starts with simplicity. Going back to creation. Tracing back to the beginning. Finding roots in the mud beneath our feet and our ancestors who’ve gone before us.
If we’re willing, finding joy is less about what we’re doing and more about who we are in the waiting. Finding joy is less about the adventures we long for and more about the journeys being birthed within us. That is the journey.
In my moments of solitude at this conference, an abundance of cicadas blessed me with their presence. And by that, I mean I heard them wherever I went. The air seemed to buzz with an eerie and ever-present gong. Ears couldn’t escape their presence no matter how hard they tried.
If we desire to hear more of God, we have to be willing to find joy in the simplicity. We also have to be willing to go where the cicadas are not. Let me explain.
Cicadas love trees and warmth. The further I walked away from lush pastures and green grasses, the more I could hear other things—the birds chirping, people talking, a clock tower chiming. The closer I came in proximity to the trees and bushes, the heavier the noise would grow.
If we want to slow down, rest, and hear from God, we have to be willing to separate ourselves from the noise. Even the noise inside our heads.