Take time to relax and breathe in life

As I prepared to go lock up one of the businesses the other day my youngest daughter, Riyann, decided that she was tagging along. Why she decided to do so was beyond me, maybe she felt her old dad needed some help, maybe she just needed some time away from her sister, or better yet, maybe she just liked the fact that dad liked to play his music loud and proud. Regardless of her reasoning, I welcomed the company. Her time with me, alone in the car, was not an uncommon sight. I’ve heard the child direct her elder sister on numerous occasions to ride with her mother because she needed her decompression time with dad. As she described, she uses the time to vent and discuss her day in a non-confrontational setting. I can tell you the child can definitely vent, ensuring that I am aware of her innermost feelings, without her sister or anyone else correcting her.

Upon entering the vehicle, and getting buckled in, Riyann turned to me and simply said “turn it up”. Those words brought joy to my music loving soul and as I found her choice song on the radio, we began our journey down the hill. While driving, I noticed Riy was resting on the door frame, arms crossed below her chin, looking outwards, as the wind from the open window blew through her hair. Peering into the passenger side mirror I had a perfect view of my child as she relaxed, enjoying some modern music while she sucked in her surroundings. Seemingly carefree and not concerned over anything happening around her she remained in the position for the entire journey. With her eyes closed, the child face revealed a constant smile.

As we arrived at our destination, I thought about how Riyann’s journey is different in many ways than her sisters and even my own. Being a self-prescribed protector of friends, youngest child, one who is committed to sharing kindness, all while possessing the traits of an introvert of sorts can take a toll on a girl. But at that moment, that time of calm, where she felt at ease, she had the opportunity to simply be still and breath in the greatness of nature and the things God has provided for us. It was then that she found solace through her solitude.

How different are we? Are we not like the child, the innocent? What a lesson we could learn from this 9-year-old child if we only take the time to listen. So often in life we get bogged down by everything going on around us. Whether it is work demands, education, family matters, or simply the hustle and bustle of life as we know it, we rarely take the time to close our eyes and simply breath, pondering the importance of a gentle breeze blowing in our face. Rather we carry on. We continue rushing from one place to another, rarely thinking about the impact our restless spirit is having upon not only ourselves but likewise on those around us, which we care about.

Watching my beloved child find that moment of calm reminded me of a passage I once read in the Scriptures “Be still and know that I am God”. As my child found her point of calm, she experienced no worries stemming from outside influences. Riyann didn’t have to worry about anything, she just took in the music along with nature, remaining still and breathing in life. Friends, take the necessary time to simply relax and breath in life. Close your eyes to the static this life can bring and just suck it all in, feeling the gentle breeze of calm, reviving you, and empowering you to carry on. For if you do, you too will experience a revived soul with a fresh outlook.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from eight to 29.