A Calming Peace
Today I made myself do something I haven’t done for a very long time. After getting both boys down for naps at the same time, I mentally went through all my to-dos. You know the drill, does this sound familiar?:
“Okay, I have exactly 1 hour before either kid wakes up. I need to write out the grocery list, change out the laundry, fold the laundry, think about next week’s menu, make a cup of coffee (I just threw that one in for all of you coffee addicts (like myself), call the doctor, clean up the mess leftover from lunch and check email, Twitter and Facebook.”
But I then did something that surprised myself. For a split second I thought to myself, I can sit and do nothing. Not the “nothing” that involves t.v., computer, a good book or even a nap. But the “nothing” that requires a comfy place to rest and a willingness to sit quietly. I chose a favorite spot of mine – the papazon chair in my bedroom that overlooks the wooded area behind my house. As I sat there I watched the budding tall trees from the woods sway back and forth in the Spring’s breezes. A calm came over me that I haven’t had for some time. I closed my eyes and listened to all the activities outside my window -the robins, chickadees and cardinals singing their spring time melodies and the wind racing past the house in a rhythmic movement. Other sounds came into focus also – the cat’s bell dinging as she gently gave herself a bath, the dog snoring as he slept on my lap and the stillness of the rest of the house as the 2 boys slept.
After several moments of taking it all in and clearing my mind, I was able to relax and thank God for all of the blessings in my life. I don’t really “pray” to God in a traditional way. I like to just talk with God. He knows what going on in my mind and heart, so why try to formalize it. I just speak with him as I would my husband or close friends. I quietly thanked him for 2 beautiful children and the patience I have had with them this week. I thanked Him for being the God who created this beautiful, peaceful, amazing creation that I sat enjoying. I thanked Him for being the God that knows what the future holds with all the ongoing stresses of parenthood. I thanked Him for holding me in His hands, the same hands that created the earth but yet gentle enough for me to rest there during times of heartache, I thanked Him for being in control of every aspect of my life, my husband’s life and my children’s lives and finally thanked Him for already having a plan for us. Finally as I sat there, I prayed to be a better mom and wife. A mom that will be able to show who God is to my children by my actions and the way I live my life. I was humbled then by the fact that God was holding me there and assuring me that He will be with me every step of the way.
Why did I feel compelled to tell you all what I prayed today? No, not to make myself sound like a Godly woman, but to allow you guys an opportunity to hold me accountable in this daily struggle to be the best woman for God, that I can be – To be the best wife, mother and friend that I can be.
I encourage all of you to find some time in the next day or two to sit and do nothing. To enjoy a few minutes of “nothing”. To reflect on the beauties of God’s Creation, God’s omnipotence and God’s love. And when you do, tell me about it. Tell me what you learned from the experience! What a beautiful community we have on this blog and what a beautiful opportunity to share with each other the wonderful experiences in our lives! Can’t wait to hear about it!
A wonderful post and a needed reminder, I need to get my priorities back in order. With Easter upon us and rebirth at hand, it’s the ideal time. Thanks Cortney.
Cortney–thank you for reminding us all to thank God each day for what he has given us. As mothers, we are engulfed with many tasks everyday, and these are the moments that we need in order to clear our heads and remember that we all need to take a break and have some ‘me’ time every now and then!
Beautiful post and something I needed to read as I was just starting to feel a little overwhelmed and panicky about my to-do list. Just another one of those “little things” God does for me – that I just happened to get my OAM subscription email at this moment and click over!
Great post! I so need to hear this – just to hear the creation (and right now so happens to be a barking dog out my window). Be still my soul…And, love your conversation with God – that’s how I am too. I think JC is.like.always with me so why formalize something that’s about a relationship!