Quiet

A very insightful friend of mine once mentioned (forgive me for not remembering the exact wording; it was several years ago), “I need to go out and be active (i.e. workout/train) every day, but you – perhaps you need to be quiet some every day.” She didn’t mean that I was loud or shouldn’t talk. (At least I don’t think she did. If she did, well, then I spent the past few years incorporating something into my life that was based on miscommunication. Either way, it’s been a change for the better.) She was referring to the fact that I am a very energetic person (some might say hyper) and am always on the go, so much that I often feel a little out-of-control and unsure of where I'm going or how to stop myself. My mind constantly races with ideas, reminders, possibilities, concerns and just random thoughts that pop up here and there (that’s what happens when you’re a linear thinker).

I've spent the past few years trying to make a practice of having "quiet time" everyday. I love my quiet time!! I do it in the morning, when everything is quiet and still and there aren’t as many distractions. It started out with just some deep breathing and relaxation, but in the past two years or so it’s become more of a time for Bible study, journaling and prayer. It has developed into my own personal one-on-one time with God and I treasure it deeply. I love starting my day in this manner and feel out-of-sorts whenever I’m not able to do so (usually due to poor planning on my part).

As I’ve gotten caught up in work responsibilities, I’ve neglected to set aside time every morning and spend it with God, and it has shown in every aspect of my life! But God, in His amazing, all-knowing glory, blesses me with an opportunity to have some quiet time every day, despite my poor planning and disobedience. My commute to work every morning includes a 20-minute drive along the edge of an Army post. It’s considered a “dead zone” because it’s nearly impossible to receive cell phone signals in that area and radio stations get fuzzy and distorted. When I’m on this road, I cannot talk on my cell phone, text or listen to the radio. Sometimes it’s nothing but silence. Sometimes I map out the day’s schedule in my head and am able to prioritize items on my ever-growing list of things to do (this is usually very difficult for me). Sometimes He places people and inspirations on my heart. Sometimes I worship. Sometimes I complain. But it’s quiet time and I am grateful for it.