Five-Minute Friday: Rhythm

Today I’m linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five-Minute Friday.

Join me!

The rules: Write for five minutes. No editing, revising, overthinking, or backtracking. Just write.

Today’s topic: Rhythm

My heart wonders sometimes when I think of it…the whole, this is life right now, thing.

I don’t mean that in a bad way…it’s just that the rhythm is different.

Three years into this season of life, and I’m learning what it means to stay, to settle,

to play along with the rhythm of what we have instead of trying to create our own.

It’s not a secret that I thrive on adventure and the crazy that seems to abound around the corners of the less-traveled paths.

But this season, He has clearly said…

Stay.

This is your rhythm for now.

And you know what? I like it…and I’m learning to soak in the blessings and sing the songs that come with it instead of becoming desperate for something new.

Just this week He’s been impressing on my heart the beauty of memories and what was and what will always remain in my heart. And along with that?

He’s showing me the blessings of now,

And the rhythm they bring with them is just amazing.

Feeling grateful tonight for the place He has brought us…and the things He has yet to do.

Five Minute Friday

Sig

Comments

  1. Ooh I love this!! It is a shift, isn’t it? From the wandering to the laying down of roots? We had a similar experience nearly three years ago after a bunch of moves and new jobs. We bought a home, and have been there ever since, learning this new still rhythm. Thanks for this lovely reflection, Mel.

    • It’s definitely a new rhythm, but I’m finding that when I stop and just live…it’s pretty awesome. Blessings and happy weekend, friend! :) (And p.s. Just saw that you were on the front page of (in)courage this week…SO awesome! Congrats to you!)

  2. Contentment is a beautiful rhythm.

  3. “to play along with the rhythm of what we have instead of trying to create our own.”. I am so good at trying to make my own rhythm…yet His is always sweeter! Blessings!

    • Sometimes I have to tell myself that His IS sweeter, but you’re right. It absolutely is! Blessings to you, friend…have a beautiful weekend! :)

  4. The beauty of how the rhythm changes is precious! Staying focused on the love he has for us in the “right now” is just what I need. I need to listen to the rhythm of where God has me right now!

  5. Mel, sometimes “Stay” is the hardest direction to obey. But I have seen it produce the greatest rewards. May God continue to pour out His blessing as you endeavor to be still. Sending my love…

  6. Ah to be content in all circumstances – that is the challenge isn’t it? Motherhood is all about adjusting to the changes in rhythm as our kids grow up. I bet God has some wonderful adventures planned for you and your family in the future :) And I wouldn’t be surprised if Mae got the same adventure bug that you have :) Love and hugs to you this Friday!

    • I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets (or probably already has!) the adventure bug, too. 😉 Thank you for your constant encouragement, friend…you are a blessing. I can’t wait for the day we can sit down and chat it up in real life. Love you, friend! :)

  7. Lovely. This is perfect and so appropriate. I appreciate that you are listening to the rhythm of now. Thank you for sharing.

  8. I LOVE this Mel – so glad you wrote tonight and found the words! This is beautiful!

  9. I love that, listening to the rhythm of now. That rhythm often gets drowned out by worries of the future or recollections of the past. Seeking His presence NOW. always. Yes! Praying nothing would steal your spirit of contentment in the now!

    • Definitely something I need to remind myself of every day. 😉 Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement…blessings!

  10. ” I’m learning to soak in the blessings and sing the songs that come with it instead of becoming desperate for something new.”

    What a gift to be able to find joy in the rhythm of now. So filled with grace and so glad you were able to write!

    Blessings,
    Angie

  11. “The things He has yet to do…” Yes! Beautiful post, friend!

  12. “to play along with the rhythm of what we have instead of trying to create our own.” LOVE this. I’ve been in a season of discontent, chasing another rhythm. Thanks for the reminder to find joy in the here and now!

  13. “the blessing of now” – amen, friend. I love this, to stop thinking of the blessing of the past & wishing we had them again, to stop craving the blessings of the future, but to be still and thankful for what God is doing in THIS moment. Beautiful words.

    • I think it’s so easy to run ahead of Him…and while there’s nothing wrong with dreaming, the now is important, too. I love what He’s teaching me through it. :) Thank you for your sweet words, friend…blessings!

  14. for sure, transitions bring a whole new rhythm, a brand new rhyme. and we, slowly but surely ease on into the new beat, my friend. and find it suits us oh-so-well!

  15. There is such hope in this post! I love the line about the blessings of now! Beautifully done!

  16. Dear Mel
    It doesn’t really matter in which season of our lives we are, for if we learn to dance with our Beloved Lord on the rhythm of the song that is playing in our lives at that moment, we will experience a symphony of joy!
    Much love XX
    Mia

    • I love the picture of dancing with Him through the rhythms of different seasons and symphonies. Thank you for your encouragement, friend! Blessings and hugs! :)

  17. Beautiful :) I struggle so with trying to take in what blessings do surround me now, wanting so much to get to what’s next. But this all has purpose to shape our souls the way He designed to prepare us for what’s next. Beautiful words today sweet friend! Thank you!

    • Thank you for your sweet words, Kimberly. It’s a daily thing for me to remind myself that the rhythm He’s beating out is for me, and it’s the best. Not always easy, but it’s Good. :) Blessings and happy weekend, friend!

  18. Thank you for these words. I needed to be challenged to think about the rhythm of now.

  19. Love this- opening your heart and ears to hear what He has to say and reveling in the discovery that it’s right for you. Just like He knew it would be. What a blessing!

  20. Oh the thought of rhythm being created in just standing still and being present – Love this and your heart in the piece friend. Thank you.

    • Oh, friend…you are always such an encouragement. Thank you for that…I hope you’re enjoying a fabulous weekend! Blessings! :)

  21. Finding contentment in the rhythm of life is so hard sometimes but once you settle there is a such a blessing. Spending some time just enjoying your rhythm of now this weekend, friend.

    PS. I missed joining you at #FMFParty last night.

    • I missed you at #fmfparty, too! We’ll have to tweet soon and catch up a little. Thank you for your sweet words, friend…have a beautiful weekend. Hugs and blessings to you! :)

  22. It is such a blessing when we can appreciate and love the rhythm of now. I am glad you are experiencing what God has for you right now, and at the same time are able to find joy in the places where you have been. Good stuff, sister!

  23. Oh I know this. I’m restless at heart and I have to remind myself to just ‘be’ sometimes. To not push the beat, but just bop along with the rhythm. Thanks for sharing!

    • It’s funny that ‘just being’ is sometimes the hardest thing to do…like we’re wired to constantly keep moving and changing rhythms. Thank you for your encouragement, friend…have a wonderful weekend! :)

  24. I too like adventure. However, I am enjoying the slower pace of being a wife, building a business, loving my animals. Since turning 40, it feels like the rhythm has completely changed and it’s not a frenzied tribal beat, but more of something that would accompany a smooth jazz tune. And I like jazz.

    • I’m definitely a jazz fan…love that comparison. :) Our rhythm varies, depending on the day, but I’m truly enjoying the pace of staying home with my girl and just enjoying each other. It’s truly a gift. :) Have a great weekend, friend!

  25. Really beautiful. Staying has its own blessings. I, too, have a roaming soul. I like new places and new experiences, but I have learned to go deeper by staying. Thanks for your words!

    • I love the going deeper part…that’s part of the way I’m wired, so I have to remember that by staying, I get to do just that. :) Hope you’re having a great weekend, my friend! Blessings!

  26. Living in the now has wasn’t easy for me. I always wanted new and different…and found myself anxious for the next thing. So often His word has been – be still. not now. I have learned to wait. His timing is excellent and I have not been disappointed. So happy to read your words of contentment in the rhythm of NOW.

    • “…anxious for the next thing.” YES. Exactly where I have lived so long. I sure don’t live in the now every single moment, but He’s teaching me the beauty of it, and I’m so thankful for that. Hope you’re having a great weekend, friend! :)

  27. Yes, Mel! I hear you. I am a traveler, an adventurer. When I was raising my kids, I had to work to balance the running and the staying. I did not like living without adult companionship. I was raised with five kids, three sisters. There was always excitement and plenty of hysteria too. When someone told me adrenaline was an addictive chemical…I had to slow down. It took some new rhythms. But I feel so much more at peace!

    • I think it’s a battle, too, of accepting that rhythms aren’t always the same…and just learning to take them and go with them. I’m getting there. :) Thank you for sharing, friend! Hope you had a great weekend!

  28. The blessings of now… what a beautiful rhythm. I pray we all learn to enjoy that rhythm right now. Great post!

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