The man walking toward me was speaking into a mobile phone. It was in the early days of mobile telephones and his private conversation—loudly and thus public—somehow didn’t belong on the footpath of my local shopping center!

My mind was transported back in time to the television show, Get Smart, first aired in the 1960s. Secret Agent, Maxwell Smart, used a phone built into his shiny black shoe (took it off first!). And how many times in those early years of mobiles did I feel silly for replying when someone nearby said, “Hello!” 🙂 

Am I the only one whose mind can become distracted, restless and even overwhelmed by the constant (and perhaps imagined) need to communicate and send or receive information? 

While it might be humbling to face the workings of my inner world (let alone admit it in public!), I know this: I need to, and am willing to be, transformed by the redemptive grace of God, the always very-present beloved Spirit of Jesus Christ who lives in me and is always with me. 

The battle is real and it’s a battle for control of our mind. 

The Bible has a lot to say about the renewing and transformation of one’s mind. For example, the apostle Paul wrote: “… Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” — Philippians 4:8 NLT

Psalm 46:10a (TPT) encourages me with these life-giving words: “Surrender your anxiety. Be still and realize that I am God.”

Last year I began a practice that hasn’t been easy for me since I acquired my first ‘smart’ phone.  While walking—for exercise or to go somewhere local—I began to resist the temptation to fill the time listening to an audiobook, music, or to phone someone. Where possible, now I leave my phone at home, or at least switch it to silent mode. And do I really need to know how many steps I’ve walked in a day… 🙂

And so I let myself just be. Present. In the moment.

I began to practice letting my mind be still—quieter, relaxed and gently observant. One day I laughed out loud at the sight of two rabbits trying to scare off a magpie which, I noticed, wasn’t the least bit impressed! 

At first, it felt like my mind was being stripped of something, and I admit that it didn’t feel comfortable at all. It felt boring! It felt like wasted time. 

I once heard it takes three weeks to create a new habit, so I remained optimistic! 

I’ve heard it’s healthy and restful to let my mind be, or become, uncluttered and mindful. 

I’ve heard that boredom is a positive thing, especially if I want my creativity to have space to develop, flourish and explore… 

Jesus has invited me, and you, to be open to hearing the whispers of His Spirit within the daily rhythms of life and to be free to explore life with Him, the great I Am, Lord of glory, Lord of heaven’s armies.

And so it was on that day in October 2024… 

Choosing to quietly enjoy my walk on a delightful blue-sky Spring day in Melbourne (as tempting as that audiobook was!), I noticed a beautiful flash of pink down on my right. 

There in the long, messy green grass I saw the most exquisite tiny pink flowers. I stopped to look—really look—and wonder at their beauty. 

Imagine with me that Jesus is inviting you and me to join Him. With His presence comes an atmosphere of pure love, peace, joy and the freedom to come just as we are to God.

With the eyes of my heart I see that Jesus is kneeling and looking at the flowers. He tenderly and gently holds one to the palm of His hand and it seems like I hear Him saying: 

“Life’s treasures are not always so visible. In fact, you may not discover them if you give way to the busy, insistent, driving and striving, often loud demands of the world. 

The beautiful colours in which I dressed these wildflowers speak joy and delight and the wonder of My glory into your life. You need not be anxious for your daily needs because My Father wants to be The One who lovingly and abundantly provides for you in all sorts of creative ways.

Your human nature might want everything to be contained, controlled, orderly and neat. But it’s so often in the ‘messiness’ and trials of life that you’re free to grow and thrive and explore, and be and become who I have created you to be. 

Beloved, let Me help you to be content where you’ve been planted in life! 

The flowers quietly reflect courage, boldness, tenacity and resilience. They don’t shout at you to stop and notice them, nor do they complain about their lot in life. They simply are. 

My beloved, behold the moments! It is within those moments that I will reveal My heart to you. Don’t fall into the trap of waiting for that elusive moment when life will be tidy, manicured and free of mess… 

Trust that it’s good and right and safe to be still and walk with Me—the one step at a time. I will help you to explore life; in fact, I have hidden treasures that reflect My glory along the journey so that you will have the joy of discovering them with Me.”

“And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” — Matthew 6:30 NLT