Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
In every change He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul; your God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake.

Dimness surrounds me as I sit without light, looking out at our yard engulfed in clouds and rain. And yet, my soul is warmed as I sit in silence seeking my Lord.

Just outside my door, water splashes onto the patio. Rain drops bounce on the driveway. Bubbles form on puddles. The water seems alive and unaware the sun isn’t shining brightly on this Texas summer morning.

Relief from relentless heat and rain are huge gifts this time of year! And the beauty of the moment is not lost as I take time to soak in the waters from heaven.

My soul stilled, thoughts calmed, my to-do list mute, I sit. I listen. I wait.

The sounds of the waters transport me to places where God’s presence has been undeniable . . . Athabasca Falls. Canada’s Bow river. Johnston Canyon Falls. Lake Lousie and Peyto Lake. Colorado Rocky Mountain rivers and falls. Upper Yellowstone Falls. Upstate New York’s St Lawrence Seaway. Rhine Falls in Germany. Portland’s Columbia river. Even the slow-flowing peaceful Brazos river near home.

Solace. Inspiration. Peace. Joy. Presence. Emotions flood my soul as remembered sights and sounds invade my senses. Sheer beauty created by a God who delights in showing His majesty and transcendence alongside mercy and love . . .

The rain has stopped. Still cloudy above, the world sparkles. Trees, grass and ferns have awakened to richer shades of green. Flowers nourished and rejuvenated.

A morning dove flew in and sits on a feeder preening his feathers.

Red caladiums stand tall and beautiful amid the whites and greens of others.

Everything is stilled, yet very much alive . . . as am I.