March Message from Pastor Travis

Dear friends,

“Be still and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10a

Several years ago, we took a family vacation to Vermont in January. We knew it would be cold, but there are plenty of fun activities to do in the winter in Vermont. Sandra was espe- cially looking forward to snowshoeing. She was excited to trudge through the woods, enjoy- ing the beauty of nature. However, the week we went was cold, even by Vermont’s stand- ards. (It was 40 below zero, once the wind chill was included). It was much too cold to go outside. This meant that we were stuck inside our hotel for 3 days.

However, our hotel had a quiet room. The quiet room had a fireplace, tea and coffee, soft classical music playing, and comfortable chairs. No talking was allowed. It was a place to sit and read, meditate, or nap. It was a place to set aside the worries of the world, turn off your phone, and to be in the moment. I took full advantage of the room and spent as much time there as I could. At one point, Sandra and Ashley ventured out of the hotel to go see a mov- ie, but I stayed behind to spend more time in the quiet room.

I am an extrovert. I am loud, and I love to be around people. I get energy from being with people, and I enjoy talking and visiting. But, even an extreme extrovert like me needs some time of quiet; some time to sit still and just be. The quietness restores our equilibrium and heals our souls. It allows us to get in touch with our spirits, and listen for the still, small voice of God.

Sadly, our world is so loud, so filled with activity and noise, that we rarely have any quiet time to tend to our souls. It almost takes a day that is 40 below zero or that has 3 feet of snow, for us to slowdown and find some quiet time. That is the gift of Lent. It is a season dedicated to quiet time. It encourages us to slowdown, pray, and listen for the voice of God. It reminds us that we are more than just our physical bodies, and that life is more than running from one responsibility to another.

This Lent, I invite you to create a quiet space in your house. Chose a comfortable chair, turn off the TV, your phone, and the computer. Ask your family not to disturb you for 30 minutes. Set a timer so that you won’t be watching the clock. Read. Pray. Sit in silence. Allow the quiet to restore your equilibrium and heal your soul. Listen for the still, small voice of God. Being quiet takes may take some practice. However, it is a gift that you owe yourself. Over time, as you cultivate the habit of having being quiet, you will notice a difference. You will feel more peaceful. You will be more patient with your family. You will be more content with life. You will be closer to God. You will be blessed.

Quiet time is a rare thing in our world, but it is a gift that you owe yourself. Grace and Peace,

Pastor Travis