My first Derby win was “Sunday Silence” way back in 1989. We were just happy to be there with tickets I had obtained through Fort Knox, never thinking about the irony found in the names of the two favorites – one horse named for a moment of quiet and peace during a day of worship (Sunday Silence) and another named for of a leisurely and comfortable pace through life (Easy Goer). Yet, there they were in the midst of a race of noise, money, and at the center stage of over a hundred thousand onlookers and millions watching on TV.
Just me pondering that a sure bet on a favorite does not provide a good return. Plus, I had some money on the horse that placed – Easy Goer. No box. No exacta. But that’s only a prelude to how my mind goes down obscure paths.
Well, it’s Sunday morning here in Louisville. Up at 5 am. Sitting and waiting for the sun to rise and the birds announce a new day with their chirping in the distant.
Some years ago, I would listen to soft worldly music with relaxing sounds, but now 34 years later I have come to know and appreciate that God gave me a gift of his surround sound orchestra with real woodwinds from his trees, brassy tweets from his birds, smooth drum rolls from his stream, and time being measured by his raindrops.
Yes, I know this sounds flaky, but then I remembered His Words – “Be still and know that I am God.” The stillness came first this time as a gentle nudge from Him rather than me stopping and compelling the moment. So much better when it is His opening rather than my stumbling.
First, I must “be” still. Alive and in this world until the next.
Second, “still”. Unmoving. No bodily distractions. Ears and eyes open to the word. Muscles and mind not typing away and taking away from the gift of that very moment. Time is not unlimited and must not be squandered.
Third, “knowing”. Without “stillness”, there is no “knowing”. No understanding. No wonder. No appreciation of His many gifts.
Fourth, “that I AM God.” He is God. Not I. Right then and there in that present moment – I AM”. But, then, now, and always. On this earth we are not here forever. Other eternal places to ponder, plan, and pray.
This morning, I gained a greater appreciation of my favorite Bible verse – Psalm 46:10.
God is in His heaven. Diane is sleeping in the next room. And I am at rest and comforted. I am blessed.
And who is the sure bet which makes us a winner every time? Of course, our Creator and Lord.
It’s going to be a pretty good day. T’is Sunday. T’is Still. And the world has yet to stir.
Pray you have a wonderful day too and that you receive and know all the blessings that God has in store for you this Day.
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