I started three different posts before this one, but I got stuck. I kept praying, “Please help me, Lord! Help me to know what to write!” But the words still didn’t come.

Finally, I had to go on an errand to help our landscaper pick out some perennials for between our condo and our neighbor’s. Since I had to travel to a small town where a wholesale nursery is, I hoped I might see some new-born calves skipping about in the country, so I took my camera with me. I didn’t see them, but I did spot a Great Egret on my way home.

I was so excited, because I rarely see one of them, but there it was, next to a pond not far from where we live. I parked along a side-road, walked towards it, and zoomed in on it. It was awesome! Thank You, God, for sending me another sign of Your love!

In the pond, some geese and their little ones floated peacefully along.

As I headed back to our van, bone weariness and brain fog closed in on me and my chest ached, all signs that it was time to rest my body.

God sweetly whispered, “Rest, My child.” An understanding filled me that sometimes I have to rest in spirit, too. To rest from being vulnerable in my writing. To give myself a break from those deep emotions that ravage my soul. To just stop and soak in how God still faithfully brightens life with His blessings, even in the midst of all the death, darkness, and pain in this world.

Then I knew God had answered my prayer as to what to write. There is a time for being vulnerable, but too much too often can tax us emotionally. We need to also allow ourselves to step back sometimes, to nurture our minds and spirits, to let the fuel of God’s love and grace replenish us again.

One of the ways God does that for me is by immersing myself in His creation. He uses it to reassure me that He is in control of every situation. That His power can work through any of our impossibilities. His creatures call out to my spirit, “God is faithful! He will take care of you! He will never abandon you!”

What does God use to replenish, revitalize, and refresh your spirit?

“You are worthy, O Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power.
For You created all things,
and they exist because You created what You pleased.”
Revelations 4:11 NLT

“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin?
But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground
without your Father knowing it.
And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God
than a whole flock of sparrows.”
Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

“Look at the birds, free and unfettered,
not tied down to a job description,
careless in the care of God.
And you count far more to Him than birds.”
Matthew 6:26 The Message

“God Is Great”
by Hillsong United