Sitting in the Shade

The creaky swing isn’t the only sound—just the nearest one. Insects hum and buzz in waves of pitch both high and low, weaving an invisible symphony. The air carries no sound, yet it presses close—thick, heavy with humidity. The sweet scent of honeysuckle drifts through it all, a delight to my senses. And here I sit, taking it in at lightning speed, thanks to the glorious nervous system God so brilliantly designed.

As I sit, I’m attempting to silence the demands, the constant of my to-do list, and the noise of my day-to-day so I can hear that still, small, whispering voice.

The morning sun doesn’t ask me to do anything. The chirping birds don’t need counsel. The gentle breeze doesn’t even need me to move out of the way. I just get to sit.

But, do you know what the sweetest thing is?

Jesus sits with me on the other side of the swing. Most of the time, He doesn’t say anything. He just sits in the empty spot next to me. How can He do so much without saying much at all?

I tell Him how grateful I am that He calls me His friend.

I lay a few things at His feet. He’s not surprised that I’ve struggled to hear His whisper. I have been holding a lot these days.

We make small talk between my confession. While I’m uncomfortable with my sin, He sits ready to forgive.

Why does it seem the weight of the world is on my shoulders when the government is on His?

Where is He when my heart aches for a child, or a family, or a village? 

What about the decisions I have before me? Can He direct my steps? A little louder instruction, please, Lord? 

I take off another layer of burdens I’ve been carrying like a weighted vest as I finished my morning walk. I lay them down for Him to hold. It’s hard and heavy.

I choose to sit on the shaded side of the bench because I can’t handle the fullness of the sun. As I contend with the world, He whispers from the empty spot that He’s been contending for me. Advocating to the Father. Sending strength and interceding on my behalf. He’s bigger than I imagined.

I spend the next few minutes telling Him how grateful I am that He sees my needs. He knows them before they are formed on my lips. He created the works in advance for me to carry out. He walks with me, never leaving or forsaking, by my side. I’m walking in His shade. Under His wings. Beneath His care, protection, and love.

Back and forth, I rock in His love. Back and forth, in His protection. Back and forth, in His care.

 Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. It’s a sweet swinging of rest and presence.