New York City

I’ve never seen a sign in Hawai`i that says, “NO STANDING Anytime.”

But I saw several in New York City. A place that has its own vibe and culture where everyone is moving and seems like no one is just standing around. You can feel it when you’re there. It’s fast-paced, noisy, busy, diverse, where any fashion flies, and you almost get the sense that everyone there, is hustling to make their dreams come true.

The taller and taller buildings side by side and hovering over you, seem to be boasting to each other, “Look how tall I am.” And the newer ones keep getting higher as if they are fighting for air space so they can see more and further and be the big boy on the block.

What I didn’t feel, at least not on the streets of Manhattan, was the still and silence that I often need to hear God. In the rush of it all with the fast moving walkers moving on the red hands, the cars still going on the red lights piling up in intersections and honking, construction that seemed to be going on on every other building, and trash piled on the side of the road, I felt as if God was far away. Pushed out from the hustle. And I missed him.

I craved some peace and quiet and alone time to be with Him. And it seemed as if He did too. It was a good reminder that we need to take some time to do what we need and find a spot where we can slow down and re-center with Him.

Do you feel like you’re in a New York City? Always noisy, busy, and non-stop?

Let’s find peace by piece searching for those quiet spots where you can stand anytime.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30