Just Be

"There is a season—a time appointed—for everything, and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven."—Ecclesiastes 3:1, Amplified

"I’ve got to be doing something."

Which is why I think my iPhone camera was drawn to this scene like a magnet. Everything about what is going on here, from the random footprints in the sand, to the chairs insisting that they not be straightened out, to the dog dancing in the surf, said something else entirely:

"Exhale..."

...There is an old New England joke that has many variations, including this one: “There are four seasons—winter, still winter, getting ready for winter, and almost winter.” And when summer arrives, you can almost feel a frantic desire to inhale every second of it, savor it from sunrise to sundown, and get out there and…do something.

Some “do somethings,” like boating, hiking, or swimming, are refreshing and relaxing. Others, like mowing lawns, weeding gardens, and still having to punch in for the 9-5 are obligatory. But then there are the “do somethings” that try to tell you that you aren’t being productive or making the most of your day unless you, well, do something.

That beach photo, though, was a good reminder that Jesus—the greatest "do something" Person of all time—also took time to rest from the weary road, to take a long drink of cool water, to get away from the crowds. And not only that, He told the enemy of our souls: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God." Wonderful words of life. Exhale words like these....

• "This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength…”—Isaiah 30:25, NLT

• “Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.”—Exodus 34:21, Amplified Classic

• “Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.”—Ecclesiastes 4:6, ESV

• “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”—Matthew 11:28-29, Message

But, there is one “do something” that is always worthwhile wherever we go this summer: to worship. Sing if you'd like, but there's more to it than that. A beyond-Sunday-go-to-church kind of worship. Just follow the beach chairs photo...

Seek to continually face the warmth and glory of the sun, and the Son...

Breathe deeply the salt air and give thanks that God is the giver of life and breath...

Let the ocean waves (or mountain peaks or long, winding pathways) remind you of God’s faithfulness in every season, even this one...

Be grateful for life, and especially be grateful simply for today...

Be thankful that God has placed you in your particular neighborhood of His kingdom, and for a purpose...

Let the vastness of the sea — or the forest, or even your veggie garden— fill you with gratitude for God's abundant provision and endless Love...

Walk, sit, run, wade, play catch with a dog, then take time to rock on the porch, eat lots of ice cream, and drive with all windows down...
...And in the midst of it all, as natural as breathing out and breathing in, keep looking Up and:

“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually, longing to be in His presence.”

—1 Chronicles 16:11, Amplified

It could just be a typical photo of beach chairs to be admired while on the way to doing something else. Or maybe it's better than that. Maybe those beach chairs are a reminder, and an invitation: "Just...be, even in the midst of doing, even if for only a few minutes of every day."

“Have you ever spent a day or several hours when you sensed the presence of God as you hiked, worked, gardened, drove, read, or did the dishes? Those are foretastes of heaven—not because we are doing nothing but worshiping, but because we are worshiping God as we do everything else.”—Randy Alcorn

[Originally titled: 'Do Something!']