Quiet Place
“Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)
Real MOMent
The day was done and my girls and I were on the way home from work and school. Our rides are typically filled with singing songs and sharing details about our day with one another. I always look forward to this time, but this day was more stressful and exhausting than normal. I ask a question to my soon to be nine-year old, and her response is full of attitude (probably picking up on my own). The fiery slip of her tongue is just the excuse I was looking for to get what I really want --- peace and quiet. I try to mask my frustration, annoyance, and exhaustion when I tell her (not in my sweetest voice) “Today is not the day or the time to try my patience!” I take a breath and follow up with, “let’s finish the ride home without talking—in silence.”
Sheesh. I’m not mad, but I’m not in the mood. I want peace. I want quiet. Is peace and quiet too much to ask my children for? I do everything for them.
Even though the remainder of the ride home was quiet, I DIDN’T HAVE PEACE!
MOMent of Clarity
You know how you ask for something and get it, then realize you didn’t really want what you got? Well, this is one of those moments. Riding in the silence that I requested, it hits me that I have just taught my girls a lesson about how peace can be achieved.
Ready?
When you feel frustrated and have had a long day, peace can be found in telling those around you (people you love and who love you) to be quiet. *SIGH*
Being quiet is not a punishment, although it is often used as a punishment:
HELLO, silent treatment, ignoring, go to your room and don’t talk, ghosting,...fill in your own.
I’m not saying that there isn’t a time and place for “please be quiet” but I understand how important it is to intentionally teach my children the value and importance of silence.
Yes, I do a lot for them– but that’s a part of the assignment. Is peace too much to ask my children for? Technically no, but that’s not their place. Peace comes from the Father, and if we want our children to know the importance and blessing that comes from being still and seeking God’s unmatched peace, then we have to show and share with them, each day, where PEACE is truly found.
 This week’s PRAISE is all about being quiet, being still and seeking God’s unmatched peace. Join us in reading the 5-Day Devotional “Quiet Times With God” by Joyce Meyer on the Bible App! |
 Is my relationship and fellowship with God where I would like it to be? What is one thing I can do to spend quiet time with God? Do my actions serve as an example of how I want my child/children to glorify God by seeking him for peace? How often am I using quiet as a punishment? |
 Find your quiet space- Designate a specific location, space, or time to spend quiet time with God. Share the space and purpose with your child/children. Prayerfully ask God to help this space be a reminder of your commitment to growing your relationship with Him. A Quiet Place Instrumental Hymns-- David Baroni is one of my favorite albums to play when I am in my own quiet space. Unplug- Set a time to intentionally unplug. Share with your child/children what you are doing and how you are using this time. No worries, the laundry will still be there after you’re done! Quiet doesn’t mean I don't care- Normalize quiet! Talk to your child/children about what it means to be quiet. What does quiet mean/not mean? How can quiet help to bring peace in your home? Mediation- Find a short mediation that you and your children can do together. While you are concentrating on breathing, reflect on the stillness of the moment and the ONE who gave us this breath. |
 God, Father of All Creation, Thank you for always being available even when I don’t make myself available to you. During the hustle and hurry of each day, let me see the subtle ways that you remind me that you are with me. Your peace surpasses anything that I can understand and guards my heart and mind from the anxiousness, annoyance and frustration that the world brings. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to raise children in Your Kingdom and help me to be obedient to Your will and teachings so that my actions, words, and thoughts will be a light for them. Amen. |
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