I'm A Country-Girl....Today!

I’m a city girl, born and raised. I grew up in cramped neighborhoods with houses that were probably only three feet apart. I could literally look out my kitchen window and see and talk to my neighbor, without hollering (lol). Everyone seemed to be right on top of each other.  I didn’t think anything of this until I started encountering friends who loved country living. I recently visited my best friend in Kentucky. Whether she thinks so or not, she is a country girl to heart with a serious city-girl flare.  As far back as I can remember she has always wanted to have a house out in the middle of nowhere, where you have to drive ten miles to see your neighbor: Definitely not my kind of living. However, this was the ideal life of those, including my friend, who liked living in the country.  

However, I could appreciate this country living after returning home late last night from traveling for several days. Although I had a GREAT time while I was away, my body and my spirit were weary and I was longing to have a moment to spread out and relax before taking on the many tasks that were awaiting my return. Once I arrived at my boarding gate I could quickly see that my desire to chill on the flight home was not going to happen.

The flight was packed, not one seat was left open: no spreading out for me (sad face). I could feel the world closing in on me as I had no choice but to be seated in the middle seat on this crowded flight home. I hate the middle seat. I could feel my shoulders swelling up as I tried to make myself comfortable, which, by the way, never happened. The flight was late leaving, and then delayed on the runway, until finally being released to take off, causing the flight to be about twenty-minutes behind. By the time I arrived in Chicago I was so tense that I was about ready to smack somebody…..I didn’t, of course, but I wanted to (lol).

I could feel the weights of responsibility, one by one, taking their rightful place on my shoulders: wife, mom, ministry leader, business owner, bible student, choreographer, financial deadlines, etc. I just wanted to scream. I began to reflect on my week and think of the beautiful countryside that I had seen. I stared out the window as my husband and I drove home, adding words to the conversation here and there, but longing to be out in one of the many country fields I had seen, running free. I knew then that I had to quickly reposition myself, get a hold of my thoughts, lest the enemy lead me down a wrong road. My heart began to cry out (silently) to the Lord to help me focus on Him and that place of rest and peace in Him.

“For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” (Hebrews 4:10,11)

Praise God for His faithfulness. His grace sustained me through the tasks of the evening and I was able to sleep well, awaking this morning refreshed and ready to face the day. As soon as I opened my eyes the Holy Spirit began to speak to me about the country side and I decided at that moment to become a spiritual country girl today (lol). I began to press into that spiritual countryside in Him: the country side that is never ending, the expansion of which there is no end. I found myself running with the Holy Spirit in the fields of the spirit through worship: Fields that are full of joy and peace and liberty. As I spent time in His presence I found myself repositioned. I found rest for my soul. Hallelujah!

"City" life can be overwhelming at times, but it's in those times that the Father reminds me that it's not, and never will be, about my abilities it’s all about His. The same is true for you. When you find yourself being overwhelmed by the “city” life, purpose to reposition yourself. Press into His presence through worship and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and show you how to cease from your works and enter into that place of rest and peace in Him: Knowing that He has all things in His hands. Amen.

I’m walking in His grace today, minute by minute, being empowered by the Holy Spirit. I pray that you find rest, peace and liberty in Him. ~ It is GOOD to be home!

My Love Song to HIM! Dorothy C.