Day 9 Season of Quiet - Why It Matters

How cute are they?! That's rhetorical, of course. They are the cutest babies in the world and they belong to me. Grin. My big kid is in the top photo(several years ago obviously) and little kid in the bottom photo(several months ago). I love looking through baby pictures of the two of them and noticing just how much they look alike and even do things alike at different stages. Different personalities cut from the same cloth.

So, why start today's post with these photos? To show just how messy it can be when humans first learn to feed themselves. Stay with me and I'll get back to that.

Yesterday I was thinking about posting next about prayer, meditation, and having a daily scheduled quiet time. But, this morning I really felt the enemy working on me and changed my mind. In fact, he had me thinking, "Maybe I won't post at all today". "Maybe the blog was a bad idea." Blame it on all this quiet, but I then heard that still small voice in my heart say "Rise above that. Use that. Share the motivation. Encourage others." I have to listen to that voice. That is the voice I seek in my quiet time.

Now I am glad that those of you reading this are sticking with me. Even if you haven't joined in my journey through this Season of Quiet. However, I'm wondering if some of you are asking, "What's the big deal? Why so much quiet?" You may think I'm either the world's biggest introvert or need to buy some ear plugs. The first may be true, but I hope you love me just the same. The second misses the point completely. Here's why.

When I first became a born again Christian last October, I embarked on a Bible study with a long-time Christian friend. She emphasized to me that one of the most important things a Christian can do is schedule quiet time with God into each and every day. Sounds daunting. Two kids, house, work, husband, activities. Where am I going to schedule anything else? Precisely the reason I have to do it. My walk with God depends on it. I need the quiet time to hear His voice. Yesterday's quote talked about "street noise". When I'm going about the business of my day, I need His help in every decision I make. If I don't seek that in my quiet time, I have a difficult time finding it among the "noise" of life. When I meditate on His word, pray, and listen...I find it so much easier to know and hear God's voice.

In silence, I am suddenly focused. In being still, I'm suddenly aware of what's important. In meditation, I find my purpose. I don't think I'm alone in this. I think our world is full of confused, misdirected people who are crying out for someone to show them where the black and white answers are in this grayed blurry society. I feel awesomely (is that a word? - oh well, that's how I feel) blessed to have found a meaningful quiet beyond my original Lenten intent to turn off the radio. I feel that puts me in a position to share that experience with others and maybe bring them into that blessing as well.

I don't expect every single suggestion in my Season of Quiet to work for every single person. I certainly hope you don't think I am sharing this as some kind of ego trip. I told you before, I struggle with every quiet suggestion. Especially when I take my eyes off who and what is important. Back to the baby pictures - this journey is messy for all of us. I'm not perfect. There is no perfect solution to finding quiet. It is important to try though. Why? In quiet, we stretch and grow. In quiet, God shows us our neediness and dependance on Him. In quiet, we find a renewing of our mind, heart, and spirit. I need that. I want that. That's the why.

You may still be responding, "Really? Because I'm not experiencing what you describe and this quiet time thing is really hard!" Just like that baby learning how to feed herself or himself, take baby steps. Keep at it. We're in this together, and there is peace and blessing on the other side of this season.

I'll pick back up tomorrow with thoughts on mediation and prayer. And stay tuned for my post this weekend - My Testimony. Something I have never shared, but it has been on my heart to write about it here. Here is today's quote - I hope it inspires you!

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.Matthew 7:7 NLT