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The Power of Stillness in the Chaos

(Inside: Be still and see all the goodness around you.)
 
Do you ever just want everything to stop?
 
The dishes, the changing diapers, the constant picking up – just stop, because I want to soak in this life, for 1/2 a second before the crying starts again. How does a busy mother actually “be still” during the day?  Constantly stopping during the day to “soak in the beauty” seems impractical. Then if we stop, we feel guilty because we’re moms and if we’re GOOD MOMS we should AWAYS be doing something that serves our family, right! (Oh negative thoughts, you are so good to us…)

I decided to play around with this idea to see if the world keeps spinning. I assumed it wouldn’t, but risked it anyway… In March, while I was on spring break from teaching and home with only my three-year-old, I decided to pause numerous times throughout the day to “be still.”

 

Day one was a complete failure. I actually had a little anxiety about if I was being still enough or being still correctly.  It took me a whole day to convince myself that there wasn’t a right or wrong way to be still. It was more about mentally being silent, noticing my surrounding and opening my heart to what God might press on it. Here are some moments I’ve had:
  • While walking to the zoo with my youngest, gentle spring snow was falling. I saw the beauty in my youngest reaching out his hand to grab the thick, warm snowflakes
  • When I compared myself to someone else and fell short, I stilled my mind. I had to do this several times before I found peace in my heart before God reminded me He created me different than others ON PURPOSE. Comparison is a beast.
  • When I looked out the window, I inhaled deeply and stilled my racing mind. I noticed how pretty the trees were swaying in rhythmic motions to the caressing wind. Why do I not notice how lovely God’s beautiful creation of earth more?
  • As I read a book to my oldest, he leaned his head against me, and I felt blessed.  How many more years do I have left of him resting his head on my shoulder?
  • One son had a hard day. We talked as I tucked him into bed and I noticed how cute he was snuggled deep under his covers, looking up at me with his big blue eyes and freckles that skipped across his nose. I stilled my mind and I felt the love in that moment, even amongst the challenges of parenting.
  • When I was nervous about something, I mentally stood before the Lord. I felt His presence as He calmed my heart.
  • When I was having an over-the-top stressful week, I paused in a state of survival to catch my breath. Goodness was reflected in my husband’s actions. Without me asking after work, he jumped right into helping me.
  • When my youngest needed me in the middle of the night, I lay on the floor next to his toddler bed, wide awake. I prayed about something bothering me. I felt Jesus speak to my heart, not really with a solution, but with the kind of peace that His presence brings. 

More of my inspirational finds here. 


Some days scream by and I hardly have time to eat my meal, and other days seem to more naturally beckon me to be still. But either way, it doesn’t matter – there are no rules to this. I just know, when I still my mind, I’m more fully present. It’s as if the shades are taken off my eyes and I can see all the goodness around me. (Until my toddler spills his milk plunging me back into reality.)

 

Momma's, still your mind and you'll feel more fully present. Allow yourself to better enjoy your day. #momlife Click To Tweet

 

But, between those chaotic moments – there is so much beauty – sometimes, we just need to be still and see it. 

 


 
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Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
 
This blog post contains affiliate links. 
 
Cheryl Donely

Cheryl is a mom of 3 boys, wife, speaker, educator, and author of Empowered Moms & Kids. She has her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is passionate about learning and teaching. On www.empoweredmomsandkids.com you’ll find inspiration in parenting, family connection ideas, encouragement for moms, and more empowering content. Read more in the “about” section of this page.

Tags: faith in motherhood, oridnary sacred, peace in motherhood, the power of stillness in choas

12 comments

  • Patricia Miller June 28, 2014 at 4:31 pm - Reply

    I think that a lot of us, as moms, and wives, and even single working women, struggle with finding time, amidst the chaos that is too often the fabric of our lives, to spend time communing with God. Thank you for sharing your journey to draw closer to Him. Matt 6:33

  • Tiffany McClary June 28, 2014 at 5:09 pm - Reply

    Stopping by via My Salt, His Light (www.mysalthislight.wordpress.com) to show some love! We are neighbors at Essential Fridays and Fellowship Friday this week! Beautiful post, and so true. Its difficult at times to mentally "stop" and be still, as a busy mother and wife (who also wears many other hats!). You've encouraged me to actively seek out more still moments. I will be trying this! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • Starla J. June 28, 2014 at 9:26 pm - Reply

    Awww. Loved this. It's one of my favorite verses. Thank you for the encouragement. I found you over at Christian Mommy Blogger.

  • sinceibecameamom June 28, 2014 at 11:39 pm - Reply

    Thanks, Starla! Glad you stopped by!

  • sinceibecameamom June 28, 2014 at 11:40 pm - Reply

    Thanks Tiffany. I stopped over at your blog too. Loved it – I started following you.

  • sinceibecameamom June 28, 2014 at 11:41 pm - Reply

    Yes, it is so hard to find time to be STILL. Life is too busy. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

  • Jennifer - The Deliberate Mom June 29, 2014 at 9:24 pm - Reply

    This is beautiful and such a lovely reminder. It can be challenging to "be still" as a busy mom… but it's so essential to build our relationship with God, to hear Him, and to feel at peace.

    Thanks so much for sharing (and for linking up to the SHINE Blog Hop).

    Wishing you a delightful evening.
    xoxo

  • Gen Delali June 30, 2014 at 9:36 am - Reply

    i like how you mentally and intentionally stay still before God. i need to do this more often. also, it's great how you're becoming aware of His presence through the things and people around you. there's beauty in the seemingly small, simple things. 🙂

  • sinceibecameamom June 30, 2014 at 11:55 am - Reply

    Thanks for letting me share on your lovely blog, Jennifer!

  • sinceibecameamom June 30, 2014 at 11:56 am - Reply

    Yes, there is beauty in the seemingly small, simply things – I have had such a need to look for God's beauty in daily life.:) Thanks for leaving a comment. I enjoyed reading your words!

  • steph July 7, 2014 at 9:19 pm - Reply

    I love how practical your examples are… It's not about finding yet another 10 minute slot in the day for yet another of our good ambitions!

  • sinceibecameamom July 8, 2014 at 12:42 pm - Reply

    Thanks for your comment, Steph!

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I’m Cheryl. I’m a wife, mom of 3 boys and educator. Here’s the thing – motherhood is amazing, but it can be hard too. So we either let the challenges flatten us, or…we use all of motherhood to unearth sides of us we didn’t know existed, build our courage, and empower us in beautiful ways. Then we share what we learn with our kids and raise empowered children. I’m going with the second choice. Want to join me? Sign up for my once-a-month email and be consistently encouraged to live a strong, joy-filled life. Thanks for being here!

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