For most anniversaries, my husband and I enjoy planning something special. Whether it’s a getaway, a nice dinner, or an adventure together, we’ve always loved celebrating the gift of another year of marriage.
But this year was different.
As we celebrated 38 years together, we didn’t feel the need to fill our calendar with activities or chase another exciting destination. Instead, we made a simple decision that turned out to be exactly what our hearts needed.
We chose to be still.
We stepped away from our 9-to-5 routines and set aside many of our everyday responsibilities. There were no agendas to keep, no schedules to rush through, and no pressure to be productive. We simply slowed down.
We sat in the quiet. We loved on each other. And, enjoyed one another’s company.
We reflected on how far God has brought us, not because of our own strength, but because of His faithfulness. Thirty-eight years of marriage have taught us that every season has shaped us, every challenge has strengthened us, and every blessing has reminded us that God has been writing our story all along.
As we looked back with gratitude, we also looked ahead with hope!
We have so much to look forward to.
The truth is, we are not the same people we were 38 years ago. We’re not even the same people we were two years ago. Life has a way of refining us, and if we’re willing, God uses every season to grow us into who He created us to be.
We are still evolving! Still learning! And, Still growing (discovering who God is calling us to be today).
This is us!
Imperfect, grateful, and deeply aware that our greatest desire is to continue seeking God’s face and prayerfully following His lead, one step at a time.
That week of stillness reminded me of something our hurried world often forgets.
There is something special about slowing down!
In a culture that celebrates busyness, stillness can almost feel uncomfortable. We wear full calendars like badges of honor and often measure our worth by how much we accomplish. Yet God offers us a different invitation.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
For Me: These words are more than a comforting verse. They are an invitation to trust. To stop striving. To release control and remember that God is still God, even when we stop moving.
During our staycation, I experienced what my soul had been longing for: rest. Time to breathe. Time to reflect. Time to regenerate. Time to reconnect with the One who gives lasting peace.
Without the constant noise and distractions, I found myself lingering longer in God’s presence. I wasn’t simply checking off my daily Bible reading or rushing through prayer. I was sitting with Him, listening, reflecting, and allowing Him to refresh my heart.
Even Jesus withdrew from the crowds to spend quiet time with His Father. If the Son of God intentionally stepped away to rest and pray, how much more do we need those sacred moments to renew our own hearts?
Stillness gives us perspective.
It reminds us that our identity isn’t found in our productivity but in our relationship with Christ. It creates space to hear His voice, recognize His blessings, and remember what matters most.
As our anniversary week came to an end, I realized we had received one of the greatest gifts we could have given ourselves; The gift of being fully present, with God, with each other, and with those we love.
Important to Note: Sometimes the most beautiful moments in life aren’t the ones we plan, they’re the ones we make room for.
May we never become so busy building a life that we forget to pause and enjoy the Giver of life! Selah
