The Birthday Gift!

I decided that for my birthday I would give myself the gift of quiet……I am up in NC at our family home…. just Sunshine, the infamous dog and myself. How blessed to have a place to come and quiet my mind, allow space for my thoughts to move, form, land and take root. To just be. Be with God, be with myself, be with nature.

It is in these quiet moments that I find comfort, peace, direction and I come back to that center place inside where I know who I am and what is true for my life. It’s a place that I can safely ask questions and ponder without the interruptions of the world or feel rushed by the “squeeze it all in” time of everyday life. It’s in the quietness where I hear the answers my life has been screaming for. When we quiet ourselves and truly “be still” is when God whispers into our life.

Looking back I have always been aware of God’s presence in my life, He is like a childhood friend that I grew up with. When I was lonely he was there, when I celebrated he was there, when I needed someone to talk to he was there……He is always there, never leaving or forsaking me no matter what mess I got myself in. And like any long term relationship we’ve wrestled and struggled over the years. Well, I wrestled and struggled, He has always stayed the same. He is God….I am Merrill. And He is still along for the ride, He’s not through with me and I can’t imagine life without him.

So here I am in the quietness of this place. So many things to ponder, so many uninterrupted conversations to have with my lifelong friend with the gift of stillness to hear his voice. As I am writing this Sunshine is out investigating, tail in full wag mode. I think she thinks I brought her to heaven by just looking at her, is that a smile? I think she is right….this is a little piece of heaven on earth and I am thankful to be here too!

Happy Birthday to me!