“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” (Psalm 46:10)

I’ve lived in a state of exhaustion for so long that it has become my new norm. While my day job will never be my life, having a high work ethic means that my days last as long as it takes to perform my duties to my elevated standards. With seven executives to support – one of whom is a C-level officer who travels nearly every week and holds back-to-back meetings all day, every day – there is no margin for error in what I do, or a chance to slow down. Hence, I typically work 50 to 60 hours a week.

A strong need to get away, coupled with a real concern that I would lose my vacation pay for the year if I didn’t use it, led me to try to take some time off a few weeks ago. I use the word “try” as I intended to take off two and a half days but ended up working all but one.

Still, David and I were able to spend a week in the northeastern Georgia mountains while I worked – a part of the state I had always wanted to visit but never traveled to on my own. With David, everything is different – even vacations.

As we discovered for ourselves, northern Georgia boasts several state and national parks, as well as 20 lakes, forests, and numerous hiking trails that traverse tranquil forests, cascading streams, magnificent waterfalls, and breathtaking mountains. Visiting in late October also allowed us to experience the vivid colors of fall foliage – something I hadn’t encountered in Georgia in the past 15 years, having lived along the state’s coastal region.

As the mountains came into view on our drive, I confess that my spirits lightened at the prospect of escape – and our journey had just begun. Stepping out of the car at our mountain cabin was like discarding a brick-laden backpack I hadn’t even realized I’d been carrying. As we walked our dogs along the dirt road that first evening, marveling at the beauty and tranquility of our northern retreat, I remember speaking quietly to David, not wanting to disturb the placidity of the woods with the sound of my voice.

“It’s so peaceful here,” I observed. “I love the silence.”

There’s something to be said about remaining quiet when I’m outside – absorbing the beauty of God’s creation. The outdoors has always been like a sanctuary to me. It’s where I feel closest to my Creator. Anything other than the sound of nature disturbs the worship that fills my heart as I hike in the woods, kayak in the marsh, or stroll along the sand. While I frequently listen to audiobooks while I’m doing yard work, I crave noiselessness when I’m outdoors. It almost seems blasphemous to speak when all creation is singing of God’s glory.

While it was colder than we would have liked during our getaway (in the low 50s during the day and high 20s at night), with rain and wind filling five of the seven days we were there, we still made beautiful memories in the mountains. David and I were together in the felicity of God’s forest – feeling His presence and allowing the silent perfection of our surroundings to permeate our spirits.

Sure, we lost power twice during the week we were away – once over a five-hour interval in the pitch dark of the cold woods – yet that hardly mattered. We had shelter, candles, and a fire in a freestanding stove that we could huddle around together. I will never forget the blessed getaway and the joy my heart felt as we hiked several trails alone, experiencing the serenity of silence together.

While the nature of my job will always bring stress-filled days, I know how to let it go as I serve a Savior who promised to carry all my burdens. Psalm 55:22 reminds me to, “Cast [my] cares on the Lord and He will sustain [me]; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” I know how to lay it all down at His feet, and I have no problem doing so. Every time I do, He fills me with His peace, joy, and tranquility.

Whether I’m on the beach, in the woods, hiking in the mountains, digging in my yard, or just sitting on my porch, whenever I take the time to be still, I always feel God’s presence beside me. Nothing on earth is as powerful as our silent Creator, whose omnipotence will always speak more power than any trepidation the world may thrust upon us.

Chaos will always call. It’s up to us to silence the voice of disquietude and listen to our Almighty Father, instead. As the Psalmist, King David, told us, “Be still and know that [He] is God.” (chapter 46, verse 10). Our trip to the mountains serves as proof of the same.