On the kids last day of school, I sat at my kitchen table and breathed out one word: Finished. The kid’s work and mine. What sweet timing for our work to come to a close together.
It was then that I took my first good look at summer and smiled.
I usually go into the long, hot days of summer with a plan. Actually, last year I went in with three.
My plans for me.
My plans for them &
My plans for us.
This year is different.
When I sat to make a plan for our summer, this was all that came out.
After an intense year of studying and writing, what I really long for is nothing. A Summer Sabbath. Purposeful quiet.
How does one choose quiet and rest with a house full of kids?
Honestly, I don’t know yet.
But the promise of rest remains …
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Be still. Cease striving. And know.
I have spent a good amount of time striving to know God more. I have dug in and pressed close. This kind of knowing has become my addiction – the thing my soul craves most. But this verse invites me (and us) to know God apart from work. Apart from striving.
It paints a picture of one resting her weary head on the safe lap of her Father. Her refuge. Her hiding place. And staying there … to know and experience Him more.
It sounds like a deep breath – the perfect goal for my summer.
“Silence will speak more to you in a day that the world of voices can teach you in a lifetime.” Frances J. Roberts
How do you find quiet in this world full of noise? Do you practice regular times of Sabbath? What do you think you might be missing in a life void of stillness? Any advice for those of us craving this deep-soul kind of rest? I’d love to hear from you!
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