Finding Peace In the Quiet
Scripture: Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God."
Tip:
Take five minutes today to sit quietly without distractions. You do not have to meditate perfectly. Simply be present, breathe deeply, and allow yourself a moment of peace.
Reminder:
Sometimes caring for yourself begins with simply being still.
Devotion:
Recently, I have been intentional about taking the time for myself to sit quietly and be still. I am trying to practice meditation. I cannot say that I know exactly what I am doing, and I am okay with that. I have decided to create moments during my day where I sit quietly, slow down, and find my own space. I am learning that I do not need to have all the answers before I begin. I just need to begin.
Sitting still has never come naturally to me. One of my favorite family stories comes from when I was a toddler living in Bedford, Indiana. My mom and dad were serving as co-pastors of a wonderful church, and people from that congregation still remind me of this story whenever they see me. The sanctuary was built on a slight slope, and the wooden floors beneath the pews were smooth and slippery. One Sunday, while my dad was preaching, I decided to lie down on the floor and slide all the way down the sanctuary toward the front of the church. Once I reached the front, I turned around and awkwardly slid myself back up the hill to where I had started. I am sure my parents were wondering what was next. The people in that church still laugh about it because it perfectly describes who I have always been.
Not much has changed. I still find it difficult to sit still. Long car rides are not easy for me. Sitting on an airplane for hours is a challenge. I enjoy moving, talking, walking, creating, and staying busy. It seems to be part of how God made me.
That is why I have become interested in meditation. My goal is not simply to sit quietly. My goal is to care for myself so that I can care for others. I am learning that taking intentional moments to become still helps me slow my mind, focus my thoughts, and pay attention to God's presence in my life.
I have also discovered that I am finding more people who are interested in learning about meditation together. That has been encouraging. I do not have to figure everything out on my own. Just as I have learned from others about prayer, Scripture, walking, and healthy habits, I can learn from others about meditation.
What is happening so far has surprised me. As I spend these quiet moments simply breathing and becoming aware of God's presence, I find that my mind begins to settle. The constant thoughts and distractions become quieter. My energy becomes more focused. I leave those moments feeling surrounded by peace and love. It is difficult to explain, but I know I feel different afterward. I feel calmer. I feel more centered. I feel more prepared to care for the people I encounter throughout my day.
For me, meditation is becoming another way to create space for God. It is not about emptying my mind as much as it is about making room for peace. It is about intentionally slowing down long enough to remember that I do not have to carry everything by myself. God is already with me.
My hope is that this practice of meditation will continue teaching me something I have been trying to learn my whole life. It is okay to be still. It is okay to slow down. There is peace to be found there. If you have never tried meditation, I hope you will consider making it part of your own self-care. You do not have to be an expert. You need to be willing to pause and let God meet you in the quiet.
Keep on Caring,
Jeremy
Remember: Caregivers need care too. Discover support, resources, and connections at https://edgeumc.com/mightycaregivers