Sep. 15, 2008
Finding Quiet
Posted in Random Thoughts
I write something called the "Coordinator's Corner" for our monthly MOPS newsletter. I am feeling compelled to share it here:
“I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil." Job 3:26
This is a crazy time of year! School has started up again. The holidays are quickly approaching. It’s time to begin to prepare for winter (already!). I don’t know about you, but I’m busy!
In the midst of our busy-ness, it can be hard to stop and remember to breathe. I know I don’t have time to relax! I have to wash the clothes, make breakfast, go to the gym, shower (if I’m lucky), make lunch, do school, run errands, clean up a little, fight with a 2-year-old about using the potty, make dinner, do dishes, get the kids ready for bed, fold clothes (to leave in the basket, thank you very much), and show my loving husband some attention when he tells me about his day at work. WHEW! That is just one day! Does this sound familiar to any of you?
Why do we do this to ourselves? Am I afraid to slow down? Or worse yet, to stop? Doesn’t God command us in Psalms to “be still and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10)? How on earth can I possibly hear God’s will for my life if I don’t ever stop to listen?
Sometimes I think I must look like a chicken running around with its head cut off. I had such a bad day last week that I finally cracked. I was sitting in the car crying about all the “stuff” I had to do. Who puts this pressure on me? My family? My friends? No. I do it to myself. We do it to ourselves.
I am here to tell you that it is okay to let the kids wear pajamas and stay in for a day. It is okay to go to McDonalds for lunch and order pizza for dinner! It is okay if you don’t get the mantle dusted, or the laundry put away, or the toilet scrubbed. In the big picture, does it really matter?
Now, I know some of you are saying, yes, it does matter to my sanity. But God does not want you to be constantly busy. I am serious. It isn’t good for you anyway! God calls you to spend time talking with him and reading his word. This is the only way to hear what He wants from you. I think a grand epiphany is probably pretty rare. Don’t count on a burning bush. All the answers to your life are in the Bible. Only Jesus can help you through your days. I think this is why I can be driven to the point of massive freak-out and break-down. It always comes when I have been neglecting my spiritual life. If you can’t make time for God, He will make it for you.
I want to encourage all of you to take a little time to be still. Fall is a wonderful time of year. The leaves are gorgeous. There are pumpkins to pick and apples to eat. Maybe get up early and go outside for a walk in the chilly morning air. Or go get a cup of coffee by yourself. Go to a movie alone. Nobody cares; nobody is judging you. Take care of yourself by letting God take care of your spirit.
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
Comments
Sep. 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by diamondsintherough
So! You never told me you are a writer! Very nice. I think all our interruptions in the day are divinely appointed. God wants me to concentrate on the things that DO matter -- my children's hearts! Every interruption is either a trial or a temptation, depending on how I handle it. If I am kind and patient, I have overcome the trial. If I lose my temper or lose my mind, I have given in to temptation. The thing is, I am such a slow learner. Did you see my post? After five years I have finally decided it would be okay to maybe like the desert a little bit. See? I am slow. But God is patient. :o)
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Sep. 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Jes
Thank you for the reminder. It is so easy to be busy - even when the kids are entertaining themselves and don't NEED me (for a minute) And how come I constantly forget how GREAT our day is when we begin by focusing on the Lord?
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Sep. 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by dixiecajuns
Hey Girl,
I know you haven't heard from me in a while. My "life" is hurting right now. But I wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed this entry. You also quoted "my" scripture. After Elgin was killed The Lord spoke to me and told me to come back home to Alabama and to "Be Still And Know That He Is God". He said for me to stand firm in His Word and Watch The Hand Of God Perform Miracles In My Life, that His Name would be Glorified. People stand in Shock seeing The Lord perform miracle after miracle for my girls and I. He truly is an Awesome God. Be blessed today my friend.
Josephine
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Sep. 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by rvnurse2b
Hi!
Good advice! very good:)
Fall is awesome- my kids and I took a little break today... Trinity is watching ladybugs pupate after watching their larva eating aphids on our volunteer gourds and made a pond which is attracting life out of a bowl she buried in the yard. Harley is making toys out of recycled plastic bottles and other things. Rowan is reading the manga Bible and they got together to make a bird feeder while I blogged today. This is life learning and I am happy this time to let them have fun!!
In the big scheme of things, picture loosing a loved one to gain perspective of what is important. When I lost our daughter, my biggest regret was that I spent nearly all that day doing housework and running errands, feeling accomplished while she slept in her swing. I wished I had spent time holding her instead, even if she had been asleep, and letting my other kids play with her more on that day instead of hurrying them out the door.
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Sep. 17, 2008 - Great Article
Posted by Lachney1
I enjoyed reading your article. I'm sorry that you had a bad day last week. I have some of those too. Mostly mine are over my oldest, when I've taken so much from her and can't take anymore. I know what it's like to be so busy and lose yourself. I get up in the mornings, get dressed and sit down with my Bible, notebook and a Journey devotional book. It doesn't take me long, but giving that time to God first helps me. If I don't do it, then I feel guilty all day. God doesn't ask for much, but He does ask for His time. You are right, if we don't take the time for God, He will make the time for Himself, somewhere in our lives. I love the Phillips, Craig and Dean song, "Whatever It Takes." God will do whatever it takes to get us on the right path, no matter what He has to do to get us there.
Blessings,
Penny
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Sep. 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by diamondsintherough
I just stopped by to tell you that you need a cbox...
Sally
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Sep. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by diamondsintherough
A cbox is that thing in the top left side of my blog, where you can "c" (chat) with a friend (like me) and leave cute little smilies to entertain them. It's free and painless!
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Sep. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kimalita
Amen! Very good reminder for us busy moms --- take the time to just BE STILL and KNOW that HE is GOD.
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