I can tell I need a blood transfusion. The last two days have been increasingly tiring. I found out I can’t shovel even a little snow. A 90 minute midday nap didn’t restore my strength but it did do something. Let me see if I can show you. It would help to find a quiet place.

Stop and be still.

Do you notice that in your quietness you can hear your heart beating? You don’t have to think about it or make it pump; it just keeps on beating exactly as it was designed to do, giving you life even when you are too busy to notice it.

Be still. Do you notice that your body wills itself to breathe? Again, without any intervention or planning on your part, every breath brings you life. Breathe deeply and relax in the gift you are freely given.

It’s harder to imagine this, but as you go about your normal routine, your bone marrow is making specific types of blood cells that function by created design. Some stand guard to fight infection. As you work, play, or sleep, red blood cells are being made by the millions to bring oxygen to your whole body. You wouldn’t be able to read this without them. Likewise, platelets also stand guard to repair any injury to your body. All this happens, seemingly without any effort on your part.

In my quietness, I am thankful for the way God designed our bodies to function. All the years I donated blood, I never thought about being on the receiving end. I’m thankful for those who gave up twenty minutes of their day so I could receive blood and platelet transfusions, and live.

In your stillness, what thanks come to your heart?
People who care. The power of prayer.
The promise of spring flowers.
Safe drinkable water; a land free from war.
A roof over your head, protection from the cold.
Being loved; people TO love.
A great and merciful God who loves you.

Be still; find thanks.

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10