Restoration in the valley

Lately, I have felt a profound pull toward stillness. Inspired by the words of Ezekiel 3:22-27, I realized that the Lord wasn't calling me to more noise, but to the "valley" of my own home studio. There is a need of healing. Deep healing—learning to let go of a heavy schedule to simply be present at the feet of the Father.

Ezekiel Isolated and Silenced

²² Then the hand of the Lord was upon me there, and he said to me, “Rise up, go out into the valley, and there I will speak with you.” ²³ So I rose up and went out into the valley, and the glory of the Lordstood there, like the glory that I had seen by the River Chebar, and I fell on my face. ²⁴ The spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and he spoke with me and said to me: “Go, shut yourself inside your house. ²⁵ As for you, mortal, cords shall be placed on you, and you shall be bound with them so that you cannot go out among the people, ²⁶ and I will make your tongue cling to the roof of your mouth so that you shall be speechless and unable to reprove them, for they are a rebellious house.²⁷ But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God’; let those who will hear, hear, and let those who refuse to hear, refuse, for they are a rebellious house.

Discerning which opportunities to embrace and which to decline is never easy. It’s a delicate dance of faith, ensuring that every note played and every word spoken comes from a place of rest rather than exhaustion. I am still in the valley of exhaustion and overwhelm.

In early February, my dear mom fell and broke her leg. A surgical repair was done successfully, and she then transferred to a rehab facility. Since arriving at the nursing facility, she has experienced four setbacks to the hospital. These setbacks have been prohibitive in her making progress with physical therapy. We are hopeful that when she returns to rehab from this current visit that she will be able to start rebuilding her strength.

My day to day schedule has been very fragmented and distracted. I am currently weighing and balancing daily visits with mom, managing contractors and situations with my home, family needs and working. Making progress on writing has been challenging.

As I write this, I am resolved in making an intention of my heart to surrender each day. If the Lord asks me to be still and quiet, I will do it.

Please know that I am extremely grateful for your prayers and concern for me and my mom. Day by day, with the Lord at our side, we will do our best.

Amen