Sitting by the Pond – Hearing from God

Sitting by the Pond

I hid away for a few hours this past week, sitting by the pond near my home. I used to bring my kids when they were young. Small. Close. Convenient. It’s been fifteen years since the last time I visited.

Life changes. Kids move away from home.

Things may change, but sitting by the pond still fills my soul.

When I need to be filled, I need to have a place to be quiet. So, I decided to take a quiet day once a month through the end of the year just to listen. Especially in relation to what’s next in ministry.

I packed a bag with my Bible, journal, and lunch, and drove to Mashamoquet State Park. I didn’t swim. I didn’t even put my feet in the water. I simply parked my chair on the sandy beach and listened to the breeze in the trees.

My lunch was yummy. Why does everything taste better when you eat outside? My turkey & red pepper sandwich with chips and the sweetest grapes on the planet tasted like haute cuisine in a beach chair.

Seeing My Surroundings

As more people began to arrive, a mom, dad, and three kids with water wings walked past and set their things down near the water’s edge. Dad apologized for the intrusion and said he hoped they wouldn’t interrupt my solitude. We chatted a bit.

We chatted a bit.

I went back to enjoying my lunch. He focused on his kids, watching them swim, dig in the sand, and catch minnows. He’s never far away, enjoying their attempts. Sometimes he called them deeper:

Dad: “Walk to me.”

“Swim to me. You can do it.”

“Hang onto me. I’ve got you!”

He scooped them up in his strong arms taking them into deeper water. He enjoyed time with them – the relationship – the nearness – and seeing the joy on their faces.

Daughter: “Come with me.”

Dad: “Okay, here I come. I’m following you.”

Daughter: “Help me, Daddy! I don’t know what to do.”

Help me, Daddy! I don't know what to do. #DrawNear #ComeToMe Share on X

Then God Spoke

I began to see my Heavenly Father like this dad with his daughter. Her dad picked her up and carried her, just like our Heavenly Daddy who is always near, seeing the joy on our faces when we create, and loving the relationship.

My questions about His direction for me seemed to be answered with the realization that God, like this earthly dad, simply enjoys seeing his children seek relationship and attempt new things. It’s seeing that fear shouldn’t hold me back from jumping in because He will be there to help.

Then I heard Him clearly.

I heard my Heavenly Daddy say, “You can do it.”

My heart settled and I whispered, “Help me, Daddy. I don’t know what to do.”

Then He said, “Come to me; I’m right here.”

Are you facing something difficult today? Are you pondering a new direction?

Your Heavenly Papa says, “Come to Me…”

Share your thoughts in the comments below. How is God speaking to you today?

Sitting by the pond still fills my soul. #GetawayWithGod #Pausing Share on X

What a precious morning sitting by the pond. I need to do this more often!

Jeanne

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Pack a picnic and get away alone with God: