It finally happened!

“Good night, mom” was just said by my last child of the evening, and I now find myself all alone…………

in the quietness of our lamp-lit family room……..

soaking in absolutely nothing but the sound of silence.

No tv. No music. No talking.

Silence overtakes my soul, and in this moment of perfect peace, I think of Him.

And His Word.

Exodus 14:14 “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Psalm 37:7 “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him”

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

I realize how difficult it is to grasp and savor these fleeting moments with Him.

Cell phones. Doorbells. Errands. Doctor’s appointments. School events. Groceries. Meals. Even the Internet.

Everything competes for my attention.

Constant commotion and non-stop needs peck away at my energy until the last seed of strength lies alone in the bowl hoping it has survived the frenzied feeding.

What will I do with this last seed of strength tonight? Will I use it for just one more load of laundry or one more sink of dishes……..both necessary chores? Will I send a “Nick Update”-(I have so much to share)? Will I squeeze in a little time of leisure reading just for me? Or will I simply go to bed thankful for a very full and productive day?

No, I decide that “being still” means just that. No moving around. No emails. No mind-wandering novels. Not even settling in for a cozy night of dreams.

I need to sit and simply listen.

So I do.

And as I release my mind from the many different events of one not-so-simple day………..
*five hours on the road traveling to and from Nick’s doctor’s appointment
*an emotional but hopeful visit with Dr. Fouladi, Maureen, Heather, and a medical student (Kristen)
*stopped traffic on the AA Highway because of a car wreck that took someone’s life (pray for this family tonight who is hurting)
*a visit from the ECMS Friends of Rachel Club this evening to rake our yard, pull weeds, and simply offer a little help (thank you so much!)
*a long-distance friend stopping by to visit while in town
*Olivia’s stressful heart from homework
*Todd’s trips to choir rehearsal and then the soccer game and then home again
*Dinner dishes
*Our weekly “family-watching” of Survivor……………
I give Him every aspect of the day, and
I feel peace.
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from Him. He alones is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress. I will not be shaken.” Ps. 52:5,6
And I know that in the quiet He hears me. And He cares. And He brings true rest.
With eyes closed, heartrate lowered, and breathing slowed, the hustle and bustle of today somehow slip into the recesses of my mind.
Thank you, God, for calling me to this moment.
It was worth every minute just to be still with You.