Perfect Oatmeal and Green Tea

I woke this morning with an unsettled stomach. I had something to eat too late which I know I shouldn't do and paid the consequences. So on the way to work I decided to get a Starbucks Green Tea. It sounded good and calming. On their menu as well was "Perfect Oatmeal." That sounded so so good. So I ordered. Now before anyone tells me I wasted money, I don't care.

I got to church for some quiet God time. A candle, a Bible Verse, a cup of oatmeal and green tea. It was MAGNIFICENT. I don't quiet myself. Usually my prayers are shouting. But today, I decided to see just what God would give me. Words can't describe it... I don't want to describe it.

My senses were alive. The textures and tastes of that small cup of overpriced oatmeal were magical. My tastebuds were singing. The green tea was warm and calming and settled the noises and calmed me.

I watched the candle dance in the darkness. I could feel God. It was a peace I have not felt in a long time. And I prayed. It was a prayer...not important the words but was from my heart. I listened to the cars rushing by outside the door of the sacristy room and could feel that my problems and noise was rushing with them.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10. The more I read that verse, the more it terrifies me. Terrifies may seem harsh but calming the world around me and just be-ing is not something I let myself do. It is not something I comprehend in my faith walk. Be -- empty the thoughts of my head and let me BE. Still -- quiet my insides, quiet the noise that so often takes me from you. Know -- the more I think I know, the more I truly do not understand. I am -- God, I am peace and joy. Help me to embrace that passion inside me that burns to reach out to others with your peace. God -- God you are in control of my life even when I don't understand it. You bring me to a new level of understanding in my life that I need right now.

Be still and know that I am God.

Friends who read this -- I don't think anything could be more me than this is. Allowing myself to open up like this and just "be" with God is something I struggle with... something I don't understand. No matter what your spirituality, faith walk, denomination, religion, or your uncertainty in the divine -- just BE. Take a moment amidst the noise and conflict and craziness that we all feel and BE.

AMEN