8/3/21
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul (Psalm 23:2)
When I think about summer, the terms “recreation” and “refreshing” come to mind. Perhaps you too expect a change of pace and anticipate having a restful, leisure-full vacation. Lying down in green fields and walking beside a quiet brook sound tranquil and peaceful to me. Summer seems like a perfect time to “restore the soul.”
So as someone who fills his life (summers too) with projects, I find myself wondering am I missing something important. Recently I ran across a very short article entitled “Tranquility.” It’s one of many in a book called, “Topics from the Writings,” published in 1928. The author is the first bishop of the General Church, the Rt. Rev. William Frederic Pendleton. Wow what a find!
After quoting Webster’s definition of tranquility, “free from agitation or disturbance,” Bishop Pendleton leads into a precious insight from revelation: “Tranquility is to the natural mind, what peace is to the spiritual mind.” (AC 3696)
From this I get the sense that the Lord wants me to have at least some times when I am both naturally and spiritually, “free from agitation or disturbance.” As the article goes on to present numerous rich teachings about tranquility, I am especially impressed with how each of them is worth deep consideration on its own. Seems to me that this could be well worth pursuing as a summer project.
I leave you with seven pithy and suggestive teachings about tranquility which, if you meditate on them, may bring from the Lord a restorative power to your body, your mind and your soul.
There is tranquility in the beginning of life, or in infancy. Arcana Coelestia 3696
All orderly arrangement is effected in a state of tranquility. Arcana Coelestia 8370
A tranquil state arises from contentment of mind. Arcana Coelestia 6408
Tranquility of peace follows spiritual temptation. Apocalypse Explained 419:24
The ancient wise men said there is tranquility of minds when withdrawn from sensual things. Arcana Coelestia 6313
Uses are performed when there is tranquility. Arcana Coelestia 92
May you find your life enriched by the Lord with times that are tranquil, serene and peaceful this summer or at any time of the year.