For the last few days I have been off of work. I decided to take a few vacation days last week and Monday was a holiday for our office. For weeks now I have dealt with what seems like constant headaches. And I have just a feeling of not being myself. Feels as if I walking through a fog each day. Thinking perhaps this bit of dis-ease was caused by stress I took two days off and off I went Thursday to find a safe place to breath from the normal hustle and bustle of life.
It’s in this quiet place that I found myself attempting to cast away my troubles. Armed with a few books, a Bible, notebook and colored pencils I set out to release my troubles and hear the Master speak. However, unlike the flow of water tides, I found that my well of words had run dry. Instead I doodled with my colored pencil (now I’m no artist) offering it as my heart’s cry. Have you ever thought of praying through doodles? I had not until I came across a book titled Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God by Sybil MacBeth some time ago.
She offers a fresh approach to prayer. It’s perfect for those moments when you can’t find the words to say.
It was nice to sit quietly at peace watching the water, sitting listening, and doodling. And there among the quiet ripples of the water, I found solace. In that moment I had no tasks to carry out and no thoughts of what was on my to do list. I knew it was not a place I could stay forever but that breathing space was needed and much welcomed. My headaches are back (probably related to sinus) but I would love to be free of this pain. By the time this post publishes, I’ll be back at my work desk. And when I can’t steal away to the water side may His peace permeate within me.
Where are your favorite places to find retreat and solace?
Wanda, this is such a timely word. It is very difficult to find a place to just be still these days. I usually find myself most at peace anywhere I can hear the birds chirp. Whether it’s cold or hot, good weather or bad, they are usually singing, and that usually reminds me that I to can sing in my heart when I can’t find a single word to utter. May your week be filled with abundance and strength.
The birds chirping is one of the things I enjoy most about early morning walks. Wishing you a great week ahead. I really enjoyed your post today. It reminded me that even when we are going through things we can still have something of value to offer others. I couldn’t get the comments to work and didn’t have much time of my lunch break.
Wanda, I will be praying your headaches disappear. Praying that His peace does indeed permeate within you.
I love the thought of praying through doodles. Thank you for sharing.
My two favorite places to find solace…the mountains or the ocean. Since I don’t have either near me, usually simply sitting on my front patio brings some peace.
Blessings to you.
Ahh thanks Beth. I appreciate your prayers. May you have a peaceful week!
What a blessing that you got to have time to simply soak in the Lord! I hope he truly spoke to your deepest spirit!
Hi Susannah, it’s nice when I can have those moments to pull away from the daily routine to lean in.
Oh, Wanda I am happy you took some time away, but sorry to hear about the headaches. I have found BC powder is the only thing that will help mine. Hot n’ Sour soup helps too. I am going to bet it is sinus-the weather fluctuates so much this time of year~ Do take care! I love what you shared~
I have never tried BC before. I’ve been taking Claritin but haven’t found anything that gives complete relief. I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.
Wanda, I pray your headaches have eased, now.
I do not live near water, therefore, whenever, I need solace i.e just needing to get away from four walls. I find solace in my local park or my back yard. As an avid gardener, surrounding myself with flowers or trees, helps. I too arm myself with books, my Bible, highlighters and also devotional worship songs on my mobile.
Mmmm, I love just sitting quietly, hanging out with God!!
They are a little better Carole. I often go to the park during lunch break at work. I don’t really live near water either. I made a special trip to find a little quiet time. A nice long drive provides a way of solace for me as well.
I hope your headaches get better soon dear friend! Hopefully it is just the changing of the seasons, and they will calm soon. What a beautiful image of your quiet place, and I love the “praying in color” idea; I love to doodle with colored pencils! 🙂 Sounds like a wonderful retreat, and if I had the time to escape today, I would follow suit!
Blessings and (pain-free) joy the rest of your week!
Denise
Thanks Denise. It’s not has bad but it still lingers. Those colored pencils really help transport me to a carefree place. Hope your week is going well.
Good for you that you got a break, Wanda! I, too, took a break. This is my first day back at work since last Friday. So needed! I wish I was at the water, like you were! Instead I was playing catch-up at home. The to-do list is a tyrant sometimes. But I did get to carve out some alone time with the Lord and He really did speak to me.
I love the idea of doodling as a means of prayer. Very creative, and gets one out of the rut of same-old same-old. Thanks for mentioning that!
Glad you were able to take a break as well Alison. We need those extra days from time to time. Hope your work week is going well..
I’m sorry you’ve been suffering with headaches. Asking God for His healing touch to be upon you this evening! It’s hard for me to steal time away to be alone, but if I were to do that, I would take a walk and just talk to Jesus!
Thank you so much Barbie. I enjoy early morning walks. It helps me get relaxed and perfect time to tune in to God’s voice.