Be Still

Like most moms, I have been wishing for more free time. Many times have I thought, "if I just had two days to myself, that would be bliss." Yet I run from work to soccer practice to errands to family events . . . just waiting for a breather.

But of course, that is our own doing. We choose to do too much in too short of a period of time. We actually have the ability and the right to slow down. Why don't we?

Is it because we want to be über -- the greatest mom, wife, employee, friend, that we can be? If so, there is a usual result: everything suffers. And for me, there is a sure result: I fail to meet all of those aspirations.

Right now I'm concentrating on what God tells us about rest. He tells us that there is a Sabbath day (Exodus 20:10), made for us to use (Mark 2:27), and that at other times as well we should rest after work (Mark 6:31). Christ told the apostles after they reported their work and teachings that they were to "come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." Jesus rested. God the Father rested. Isn't it a bit arrogant for me to think that I don't need the same?

The Scripture that sticks in my mind most right now is "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:11). That is so hard for people, especially moms wearing a number of different hats everyday. And for me, honestly, I don't want to do it. I don't want to be still. That means I'm lazy or not in control. And that's not what I want to be, or maybe more accurately, that's not what I want others to think I am.

Today I start a sabbatical from law practice for a few months. I'm worried about not being busy enough, or perhaps I'm more worried about other people thinking I'm lazy or walking way from my duties and commitments.

But busyness can be bad. In fact, often it's bad, for me at least. If I'm too busy, I'm likely not focused on the people I should be focused on--my family, my friends. And most of all, God.

So, here's hoping I can be still. And know that He is God.