Lead The Way

In the midst of the hubbub of life

One of the hardest things is to be quiet

To still yourself 

Pause for a moment

Even if you can find a moment to sit and relax

The mind continues to run at an outrageous pace

"Be still and know that I am God."

I know

And I try 

So often it seems impossible

To grab that solitude

To halt the myriad of thoughts racing through my mind

And revel in the words of One 

Words of life 

Full of grace that I need 

Recharge on strength that is not my own

When we make our way through stores

Bundled up

Hands hanging onto stroller

Trotting along with ponytails wagging and curls bouncing

The common comment finds us

"Well, don't you have your hands full!'

Or

"I bet you're busy!"

I smile and nod

We carry on

Because it would take too long to explain

And chances are they still would not understand

How each of these three are being used

To teach me about quiet and stillness

About taking moments for calm meditation

To not get tangled up in the rat race of life

A girl sitting quietly at a kitchen table 

Working away at a craft or design

Every morning serenity

Filled with markers and glue

And sweet lullabies

Another curls up on the couch in late afternoon

Wrapped up in blanket

Surrounded by books

And favorite friends

This forever moving girl

Settles into warmth

And books often reread

Ceasing her business

Only her eyes are darting back and forth

From page to page

During the midday lull

When others are busy giving Mama a break

Little baby bathed in sunlight

Claps her hands and hums

Plays simply with this or that 

Mostly looking around

Observing it all

Giggling for no reason I can find

Maybe an inside joy

Bubbling up and out

Making me smile 

Reminding me

The moments I need 

Of calm

Creativity

Giggles

Even tears

Of words ringing true 

Again in my heart

Of prayers

Whispered

Thanking 

Asking

Are not just necessary 

But a joy and a gift

To replenish the soul

Lead the way, little ones