Slow State...

Busy, busy, busy...my life can get so busy. No, there's no getting about it...my life is busy. Preschool, Critterland, piano practice, soccer, girl scouts, doctor appontments, twins, house duties, volunteering at the school...just so much to do. It's hard to slow down sometimes. I think that is why I like the early morning...things are slow, quiet, nothing to do yet. I can just sit. Read His Word. Talk with Him. Enjoy His company.

I wonder sometimes if I just fill my plate with too much. Perhaps I should remove a few things--then I spend way too much time pondering what things to remove--what should go? The kids are really are not an option. ;) My work...I love it; my house and all that comes with it? Not a realistic option. So, what should I remove from this full plate of mine? And why is it that everytime I ponder this...I find myself gripping...not wanting to let go of anything.

I prayed this morning...prayed that He might show me what I needed to let go. Could He help me clear my plate?

And then...He speaks. I never realize that He speaks as He does it; it comes to me later...after the busyiness subsides. Hannah needed her sweater zipped; I bend to do it; we are late; I am in a rush; the zipper is stuck; I am moving quickly; we are running out of time; I need to get on the golfcart; the kids are going to be late; Hannah is talking; I am fiddling with the zipper; I feel hurried; my hands are moving faster than they need to; Hannah is telling me about her dog; her voice is filled with joy, with love; I barley hear her words; I am rushed; the zipper is stuck. Then He speaks--slow down; listen to Hannah with all of your being; this is a moment you won't get back, you won't; hear her; feel what she is saying. And, without being aware of my actions, I slow down and listen, feel what Hannah is telling me. And the whole world seems to stop. And my heart is filled with joy, peace---slow; things are slow. And the zipper connects. And I smile.

And I realize that it's not about a full plate. It's not about being busy. I can have a lot to do but still live in a slow state--move at a pace that allows me to take in the moments, hear and feel what is going on around me. I can find Him in EVERY activity I have on my plate; He is there--at the soccer fields, in my car, at work, while I wash the clothes. Life is busy with five children and a husband. There's no way around that. But as busy as it might be, it can be lived slowly--one busy moment at at time.

Thank you God for my children; I see and hear You through them daily!