God has told his people, “Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest.” But they would not listen. – Isaiah 28:12
We don’t listen, do we? At least, I don’t. My fears speak way louder than the Spirit’s whisper, and I admit that sometimes it just seems too difficult to hear past those screams! God designed us to crave rest. To need quiet. To meet Him there.
Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. – Mark 6:31
I forget to eat pretty often. Self-care is not something that’s second-nature to me. We are always so busy, super-stressed and strung out on anxiety! How about you?
My precious friend, Kristina, posted to her wall this week, “What spot in your home instantly makes you smile? Not people but somewhere that causes you to take a deep breath of simple joy. This is one of mine. I would love to see your smiling place.”
Well, of course, since I’ve been praying for the Lord to present ideas to me for our Seek First Project, I immediately asked to share this idea, and she happily agreed! (Thank you, Kristina!) Here is her smiling place:
I believe whole-heartedly that we need a special place to meet with God each day. We live in a camper at the moment, but when we had a house, I had a smiling place. Here are some pics of mine:
Our challenge for today is to create a smiling place if you don’t have one. Where is your favorite place in your home or yard? Make it special. Keeping God in mind as your companion there, make it comfortable and surround yourself with things that bring quiet rest. Your Bible should be there, too, and your journal if you have one. Use all five senses: do you have sweet smells there? Something to sip? Music? A favorite texture? How about your favorite things to look at? Lighting is important, too.
If you do have one, your challenge is to refresh it. Add or take away from your collection there. Think of the season you are in right now. Does your smiling place reflect that? Have you included all five senses: do you have sweet smells there? Something to sip? Music? A favorite texture? How about your favorite things to look at? Lighting is important, too.
If it’s okay if I share them on my fb page, please let me know in your email.
Isn’t this exciting? Let’s get started!
Sweet Jesus, we long to meet You in a special place, each and every day. Thank You for reminding us so many times in scripture that You long to give us rest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
I love the idea of a “smiling place!” LOVE the photos of your smiling places Kristina & Shelly! I have 2 smiling places: my indoor lounge recliner in our loungeroom with a stunning sea view & my outdoor recliner on our balcony, just outside our loungeroom, that has a stunning sea view. I love God’s creative displays that are different each day. Thanks for making me smile today. LOTSoluv Kerryn
Oh Kerryn, picturing your smiling places made ME smile! What a blessing! Love you! <3
My smiling place is on the couch when the winter sun shines through the sliding doors. The black leather soaks up the sun and I can switch the heater off for a while. ?
Ruth, that sounds like such a comforting spot! <3
Hey Shelly I have several smiling places as well. One is in Family room. I meet My Lord each morning. We pray, I read His Word, and do my devotionals. Also I have one in my guest room! Lol I enjoy when it’s not filled with guests or grandchildren, to go rest there, with assorted favorite books I’m reading.
It has fluffy pillows and my favorite paintings I’ve done recently! Lol
Hugs
Di
Di, what a blessing your smiling places sound like!! Thank you for sharing them here with us! 🙂 <3