Quietness In The Chaos

Psalm 46

Yesterday was a normal Sunday, which is actually to say there was very little normality to it. Sunday mornings are a very busy time for me, not so much in a physical way as much as a mental and spiritual way.

My mind consistently goes through the plans for the day. Did I remember to put the slides I need on the PowerPoint presentations? I need to set up the chairs. Where's the projector? Please don't forget to announce the new date for our service project.

I make sure everything is in order, then I wait for the class to arrive. In that time I don't let my self rest. Others stop by and ask me questions about church-wide events. People stop by just to say hello. I walk the campus looking for any wanderers to let them know class is about to start.

As we begin, I welcome everyone and go over upcoming events for the group and with the church. I hope I didn't miss anything, I get questioned about a time for a gathering, as it was previously reported to be a different time - I question myself.

As we prepare for the day's lesson I ask for everyone in the room to gather for a centering prayer. Then it happens, as it happens every week: peace and quiet take over and I put all my trust in God.

If you ask me how the rest of the day went I would have to say, normally. We had morning class, after which we worshiped as a body of Christ. We had a congregational meeting, after which we had lunch. I got my hair cut, went home to write a newsletter article, then spent the rest of the night on the couch watching TV with my wife.

It was in the midst of my morning chaos, as I reached out for the hand of God to still me, that I found my inner peace and was able to put aside all of the distractions which separated me from my relationships. Our Psalmist this morning does the same. In the midst of mountains shaking and seas roaring, the Psalmist is reminded that it's in God he finds his strength and a place to rest.

Being in the midst of God, and realizing we're in the midst of God, allows all of the things which have separated us from God to be broken down. It won't change the busyness of our lives, but it just might make that busyness a little less trying on your mind, heart, and soul.