Peggie O'Neill's Blog

Relax…..Reflect…Rejoice…and Renew

There is a Danish folk story about a peasant’s dying wish. On his death bed he asked his son to promise him that he would sit alone and reflect every day for 20 minutes. The son honored his Father’s wish and he became the wisest and most respected leader in the village. One of the villagers asked him how he had become so wise. He answered, “Every day, for 20 minutes, I silently reflect on God’s love for me and I rejoice in who I am.”

When was the last time you sat quietly for 20 minutes and reflected on God’s love for you and rejoiced in who you are? Rejoice means to give joy, to feel joy, to take delight. God created you to take delight in Him as He takes delight in you. Rejoice in His glory. Rejoice in His creation. You are His creation. This summer affords you the opportunity to step back, relax, reflect and rejoice in being you.

We live in a “To Do” culture. We feel guilty if we dare take time to relax and just be. We run around like maniacs: Doing! Doing! We schedule “doing” on Sundays, Saturdays and holidays. It’s as if we’re afraid to stop, relax and enjoy just being.

“Silence shows us what we should be:
Society shows us what we are.” (Richard Cecil).

You can take time to relax, reflect, rejoice and renew your spirit in the morning in your bedroom, out on the porch, walking in the neighborhood or on the beach, or in your favorite chair.

Be good to yourself this summer. You deserve to take time to just be you. Take the old Danish peasant’s advice. Rest, Relax and Reflect on who you are, and not what you do. Rejoice in you.

Give your children the gift of learning to rest in God's love. Help them relax, reflect and rejoice in who they are. This gift will help your children navigate through the challenges of life with a calm heart and a joyous spirit.

Promise yourself you will eliminate unnecessary pressures from your life this summer. Relax go off into a quiet corner- take three deep breaths and Reflect on your blessings. Rejoice in your family. Relax with your family; laugh, tell stories, and spend time just loving and appreciating each other. Renew your spirit, and you will have a joyous, wonderful, wise summer.

God’s loves you and your family-enjoy His peace; Love Peg