I couldn't decide on what to title this photograph?!  Remnant or Hope Floats?  So I did both!  Not that it necessarily needs a title but it surely has its own story.  I was simply going to post this picture on my social media outlets but I think this photo demands a story and it was on my heart to write.  

Here goes, a little backdrop, this photograph was taken after I hosted a birthday party at my house. I was cleaning up the following day as the party didn't get over until late Friday night. As I was in my infamous "power hour" cleaning mode picking up trash and putting away serving platters, a little piece of silence and fortitude caught my eye. You see, the build-up to any party or any event takes energy. I think any of us who have hosted and/or planned a party can understand the amount of effort and energy that goes into any sort of event.  Easily, hours-days-weeks-months can be invested into party planning then in the blink of an eye it's over.  The music played, people shared memories, food was enjoyed, and then POOF, the party ended. This wasn't a huge event by any means but big enough to cause a once-full house to become silent.  It was in this silence this little remnant caught my eye.  It reminded me not to get so wrapped up in the big moments and hustle of life.  There are whispers of hope that stand still in the silence. It's like everything else was moving but here, in this moment, there was complete stillness. A drop of water undisturbed and supported by a buoyant flower.  No worry. No panic. No concern.  Complete STILLness.  

Its buoyancy and stillness were profound.  I just stared at it.  And I guess as the old saying goes, "take a picture, it lasts longer" rolled through my head and so friends, I did. This will forever remind me to BE STILL.  The storms and busyness of life will come but stop, breathe, and if for only a moment...BE STILL.  When we slow down and be still, things become clearer.  You can hear what's around you and soak in life's aroma.  There was no fear here or the lingering thought of what's next...it just was..in the moment..STILL.  It may not feel like it sometimes, but you too, are being supported right now.  Life can get busy and heavy really fast.  Our buoyancy may fluctuate but remember, today is a gift in that we have the breath of life in our lungs.  Our heads are being held above water.  So again, once more...stop, breathe, and BE STILL.  Remnants have a purpose and there's power and encouragement we can find in remembering whose we are and the hand that keeps us afloat.