Being still is a very foreign concept to our generation. Everything in our lifetime has gravitated more and more to an “on the go” ideology. We live with the idea of multitasking and being on the move. It is so rare that you find people being completely still. This is not limited to a biblical idea of being still, even though that is how I discovered the issue. It is a generational issue.
Our generation is the blooming age of on the go. We have an expansion of products geared solely to a quick pace, to go, attitude. Fast food, smartphones, mobile banking, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, DVR, and the list continue on of the marketing around this social standard. These issues have radically changed the convenience and efficiency of our society, yet I have noticed a change in attitude as this ideal takes charge of our lives. Most of our generation is not comfortable simply being still. I have noticed that even the items or activities that are geared to leisure and rest still follow this attitude. For example, my family gets so irritated when you do not fast forward through the commercials. I do not understand it. I am simply watching TV to take a break, why should I rush through the commercial breaks. My friends sometimes think I am strange because I will go to a normal restaurant and eat by myself when I need to stop for food. Most of them simply swing through a drive-thru and eat on the way. I take delight in the times of rest to enjoy my food and sit STILL for a moment.
My main question for our generation is this: Can we bring back the beauty of stillness in our lives. Can we put down our cell phones for a real conversation? Can we put down the remote and enjoy simply watching TV? Can we stop rushing through every second of life and realize each moment is a blessing? Can we realize the value of each moment and not speed through another second?
This is the reason I do not get my coffee to-go. I find solitude in the peace of such a luxury of sitting still in a coffee house and sipping from a ceramic latte mug. I would rather spend time reflecting, visiting with others, or not being rushed. I would rather build relations with the solitude of time than the anxiety of being rushed. Each time I get my coffee for here, I am able to sit back and prepare for my day ahead. Each time I get my coffee for here, I am able to take a break from my day for myself. A coffee that is surrounded with the warmth of stillness brings this breath of fresh air to my soul. Our generation has become so accustomed to this multitasking on the go idea that the glory of taking breaks simply has no room in our schedule.
It is vital to recognize we need these moments to recharge. Remember this one fact- a smartphone may connect you with the world, but when it is away from the charger too long it will die. Get a coffee for here, and recharge your heart. Sometimes it can be scary to commit to drinking your coffee for here instead of taking it to go. I promise it is well worth the time. Whatever tasks you have to complete will still be there once your coffee break is complete.
Coffee is my time to be still. Coffee is the form that I find my greatest solitude and rest. You must find whatever brings you solitude and choose to give it time on its own. It doesn’t matter what this is, as long as you take the time to be still.
"Be Still, and know I am God." Psalm 46:10
