It is a prayer, a cutting of which my mother sent to me many years ago at a time when I was suffering from emotional burnout! It seems to me to be particularly pertinent to this time of year, although it wasn't Christmas when she sent it, as just now so many of us are dashing about trying to do all those things which we seem to feel are essential to the enjoyment of Christmas and getting frazzled into the bargain. I offer it to you with some of my more calming photos!
Slow me down Lord.
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.
Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tension of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that lives in my memory.
Help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep.
Teach me the art of taking minute holidays - of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat to a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines from a good book.
Slow me down Lord and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values, that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.
Or you could say "Take time to stop and smell the roses"!I have returned to this prayer on many occasions and found its simple words of great help - putting them into practice is not so easy but then that is why we are asking a greater power for help isn't it?! I hope you too will find it helpful at this busy time and that you will enjoy Christmas more for being a little less frantic and a little more relaxed even if the turkey won't fit in the oven and the shops are closed when you discover some vital ingredient missing!
I really really need to take this little homily on board myself just at the moment! I hope to be back posting soon.
Wonderful Prayer and right on time for me. Thanks so much for sharing. I'll write it down and have it with me to read when things get tough.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're ok. I was getting worried.
A lovely prayer and lovely pictures - hope you can find time to let the grass grow under your feet, too.
ReplyDeletePomona x
I need to copy this one down! Thanks very much for sharing it, Jane, even when you are so busy. Keeping it in mind should help with priorities, like my stones and sand - maybe I should put the prayer up next to them?
ReplyDeleteMy christmas will be relaxed, being a vegetarian, no need for the turkey ;)
ReplyDeleteOh but well.. with exams in january...
Other than that, I like the words of the prayer. But I don't actually like prayers. Not being a real beliver.
I love the picture of your cobweb! It's totally fab!
A lovely prayer - and what a thoughtful giveaway.
ReplyDeleteGrateful to Floss for getting this Reflection Idea up and running!
Advent blessings xx
What a lovely prayer - certainly one to remember!
ReplyDeletex
Lovely words and photos, hope you are ok even if very busy!
ReplyDeleteAnna xxx
What a lovely prayer and very appropriate for this time of year. We do seem to get caught up in this crazy way of living. I love the part about taking " minute holidays"
ReplyDeleteWishing you a relaxed enjoyable Christmas season.
Warmest regards,
Anna( quiltmom)
That's a beautiful prayer and lovely accompanying photos. Thank you. Every time I try to slow down for Christmas, I see something wonderful that someone else has done that took loads of prep and makes such a difference for the rest of us, and I take it all back on again, knowing that all the effort really does bring joy, hope, and life to the world and honors Jesus. But the balance...you're so right.
ReplyDeleteWonderful prayer- I will keep it in my mind.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing it, and this post is so nice, lovely photos.
Annalisa
Whatever we believe we all need to make a moment for ourselves and take that minute holiday to appreciate the beautiful moment in all this commercial madness.
ReplyDeleteI loved the advice to take "minute holidays"... such wise words.
ReplyDeleteI've just popped over from Floss's as I'm going to try and visit all the other advent pauser's out there...and I'm so glad I came to you first! I feel a little calmer now, thank you, x
ReplyDeleteI'm suitable calmed now - thank you Jane for sharing such a wonderful prayer and photos with us. It's good to be able to take time out and reflect on the simple pleasures of this wonderful time of year.
ReplyDeleteJeanne x
lovely words!! very calming in these winter months. have a nice week
ReplyDeleteLucy xx
Yes I agree. We all rush about so much, now is a good time to rein in and assess just what really matters. I'm drawn to the bit about sleep - I could certainly do with a bit more of that! I hope all is well with you and I look forward to reading more posts when you're ready.
ReplyDeleteKate x
Thank you for sharing that lovely prayer. Your timing is so spot on. It is exactly what I am in need of at the moment. I will be able to draw a lot from it.
ReplyDeleteI hope that it is already helping you.
Warm wishes
Isabelle x
Lovely prayer, just what I needed. Fabulous photos too. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh, if only I could remember these words and put them into practice... I would welcome some resorative sleep--
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