By +Jeanne Takenaka @JeanneTakenaka
My Five Minute Friday prompt this week is—STILL. This largely unedited “rough draft” form of writing stretches this perfectionist, in the best of ways. I write for five minutes on a given topic. If you’re interested in learning more about 5-Minute Fridays, check out our hostess, Kate Motaung’s site. Or, click on the link at the bottom of this post. As you read my simpler Friday posts, I hope you’ll join in the conversation!
STILL
Life has been so busy this fall. With the start of school and boys involved in different activities, this mom-of-two keeps on top of homework, meals on the table, food in the fridge, laundry relatively clean, piles . . . well, let’s not talk about the piles in this house. They’re um, scary right now.
I try to spend time with Jesus daily. I do have time with Him, but the challenge is to be still before Him. To be focused solely on Him rather than on making a cup of coffee, setting worship music on, having enough light filtering through the drapes. Hearing my computer chime saying I have emails? Oh, that chime is such a lure.
It’s the learning to be still before Him that stretches me. It’s such a noisy world I live in.
One thing God’s allowing in my life that drives me close to Him is trials with the boys, and other family heartaches. I find myself pouring out my heart to Him on their behalf.
On mine.
I’m still when I’m praying earnestly for others. Focused on lifting them to the throne of Grace. It’s in times of struggle that I find myself still before HIm. Because it’s in those times when I need Him most.
I’m more willing to listen to Him, to beseech Jesus for wisdom and to ask for His grace to strengthen me.
When life flows along just fine, it’s harder for me to be still before Him, because those needs I can meet? Well, I know I’ll take care of them. I don’t need Him.
Oh, that I can come the place where I see my need for Jesus in the difficult times and in the joyful times of life.
What about you? What helps you to still your heart before the Lord? How do you keep the world from filling your mind with noise?
***Visit Kate Motaung’s post: Still
Jeanne Takenaka 
I’m with you, Jeanne! Needing to find the alone time with God and then be able to focus on Him in it. I need it so badly and it doesn’t always happen the way I want it to…the way it should. Thanks for stopping by my place from FMF and I’m glad to find yours. 🙂
LikeLike
My quiet times don’t always happen the way I want them to either. 🙂 Especially when the kiddos are home from school. 🙂 Loved your post today too. Thanks for stopping by mine. 🙂
LikeLike
Totally agree – it’s in the smooth moments being still seems harder…
LikeLike
I’m so glad I’m not alone, Annie. 🙂 I like the smooth moments, but they lull me into believing the lie that I can handle it all. Then it gets crazy . . . and then stillness is a distant dream. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
It is tough. I find myself having to draw my focus back in again and again some days.
LikeLike
Me too. 🙂 I think it is sometimes a choosing to be still, to make time for stillness in my every day. I’m not there but I think I’m going to become more intentional about it. Thank you for stopping by!
LikeLike
Such a familiar feeling. I have found that the way to be still with God is not only finding time to spend with Him one on one, but early in the morning. When everything is quiet and the world is still asleep is when I feel the most connected and still.
LikeLike
Early morning is my favorite time to spend with the Lord too, Maria. Before my mind becomes cluttered and my day becomes busy. You’re right, I feel still on the inside at that time of day too. 🙂
LikeLike
so very, very true. learning to be still stretches… often uncomfortably! happy weekend!
LikeLike
Yes, stillness can stretch uncomfortably. 🙂 I hope your weekend is wonderful too, Richelle!
LikeLike
It is so hard to remember to call out to God even when life feels easy. It’s being blessed without ever saying thank you. I have to be intentional to begin all of my prayers with thanks.
Being still is acting on patience!
LikeLike
I think you’re right, Liz. When life gives me an easy stretch, it is a blessing, and I should truly be thankful. Being intentional about beginning all your prayers with thanks? I love that. I think I’ll have to steal it. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not very good at stilling myself; the worst thing for half-remembered combat trauma is to try to find mental stillness.
And I think God realizes this, and doesn’t force the issue.
SoI meet Him when I write, or when I’m thinking of writing. He’s leaning in right now, reading what I type and giving a noncommittal “uh-huh” in my ear.
LikeLike
I like that reminder, Andrew. God meets us. He knows each of us and the best ways to draw us into fellowship with Him. It’s easy to see His words guiding your fingers when you write. His voice comes out in your encouragements, the truths you share and your passion.
LikeLike
I hear you on the lure of the chime! And on the daily frustrations of family life. It’s work balancing the everyday-ness of life with spiritual discernment and being still before God. I’m most still when I bring to Him concerns and prayers for my family, but also when I’m examining my heart and my walk. Am I doing a good job as a mom? Did I honor Him with how I spent the day? Or when I just really need to feel Him near. I think it’s hardest to be still when my to-do list is a mile long and time’s a-ticking. I’ve not yet mastered putting that out of my mind and giving Him the full devotion He deserves each day.
LikeLike
It’s so hard to balance being a mom, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a writer, a . . .
There are days when I have to work on being still enough to take the time to examine my heart and my walk and if I’m living out my days well. Sometimes, it’s hard to be still enough to just feel. I’m working on this. My to-do list tries to trump me every day. I’m working on not letting it rule me. At least not every day. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
LikeLike