A few weeks ago, I was home alone. The entire night—I was home alone. I can’t tell you the last time that happened; it was probably over 12 years ago.
The boys went on a trip to New Orleans for the Saints playoff game and Karis was asked to spend the night at a friend’s house. I came home to an empty house (with the exception of three donkeys, two cows, two dogs, and 20 chickens) after coaching a basketball game 45 miles away, to silence. I thought I would sleep hard. I thought I would sleep in. But I struggled. The quietness of the house disturbed me. I had a hard time “being” by myself.
I have thought about this story as we focus on QUIET through Sheltered in Grace this week. If you look at Webster’s Definition, quiet is defined as: little or no noise; without much activity, disturbance, or excitement; without being disturbed or interrupted.
That definition definitely does NOT describe me very well. I struggle with this.
And I struggle with this more on my independent study time.
I enjoy my “quiet” time and bible study, but many times it is “squeezing” it into the chaos that surrounds me. My mind wanders. It may wander to the 79 essays that I need to grade (TRUE STORY). It may wander to the 15 loads of laundry in the corner of the room or the dishes in the sink. It may wander to the game film that needs to be analyzed or the yearbook deadline that is quickly approaching. It may wander to the need or more “intentional” time spent with my children or thinking about needing a long overdue date night with my husband.
And my quiet time quickly becomes a “check the box” off of my tasks instead…
So how do I combat this? A couple of things have come to mind to maybe help me keep my personal study and meditation time of the upmost importance….
- Pray: I want to be more diligent with my prayer life. Jesus went by himself to pray (Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46, Mark 1:35 are just a few examples). This shows us we need to do this too. We need to have some time alone with God approaching His throne. This is where we become authentic with Him. Communication in every relationship matters. This relationship matters most. I want to move from the “rote” words (which aren’t bad in themselves)–to where my heart is poured out to Him! It might be awkward sometimes–Yes, real-life relationships have this “awkward silence”. It is about opening up to Him and having Him get His way…not my way. Praying for opportunities–which He WILL provide.
- Read: I have tried to not use the word “Bible”. That is a great word! But for me, if I substitute “I am going to read my Bible to “I am going to read the TRUTH” or “I am going to read His Words”…it gives it a whole other connotation. It makes me want to dig. His Words have power…look at creation when he SPOKE everything into existence! These Ancient Words have a way of pricking our hearts. These Ancient Words help us to “fix” what we need to fix in ourselves. Quiet time with these words “cut” out of us what needs to be cut out. We find out more about His character. We find out how He wants us to live.
“The Mighty One will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
- Talk: In our everyday conversations, start bringing Him in…meditate on your blessings. Share them! Talk about what you have read and studied and learned. Bring it into as much of the conversation that you can! You prayed for opportunities, right??? (see point 1)…God is working in your life. Share it!
- Accountability: Have some accountability. Set up a plan–whether that is a time of day OR a reading plan to help you keep on track. Make a “place” for you to study with limited distractions. Know some days may be 10 minutes and some may be an hour. Make it meaningful–whatever time you have.
When my “quiet” time becomes an item off my check-list, I realize I have made this all about ME. It isn’t about the treasure inside me. It isn’t about me being crucified with Him. It isn’t about wanting to be “Less of Me and More of Him”…..
May we get more comfortable with the “quiet” as we journey here on earth.
Anchored to Him,
Leigh Ann
