A friend recently voiced his discontent with having to sit still and let his body heal after a bad motorcycle accident.  And I was reminded of a season God took me through to teach me how to be still.

The first four months of my pregnancy with my fourth daughter were brutal.  I had been sick in the beginning of my other pregnancies, but nothing like this.  I think the worst part of it was that God was trying to teach me something and I was fighting it tooth and nail.  When I learned I was pregnant I made a deal with God that went something like this...."OK God.  Since you are giving me this baby and you are aware of all that is on my plate right now, then surely you will make this as easy as possible on me! (Yes!  I really did have the audacity!)  I did not want to rest! I did not want to lay in bed all day!  I did not want to have people waiting on me!  I had things to do!! But He had other plans for my time.

I can tell you quite honestly that the moment of surrender --His Will for mine-- was one of the most precious in my walk with the Lord.  He began to gently walk me through my day.  He showed me how to enjoy my daughters in a whole new way. He taught me how to appreciate my husband in a much deeper way.  He taught me how to be gracious in receiving help.  He taught me how to count my blessing and be purposeful about finding joy in my life.  Most importantly He taught me how to be still.

He continued walking with me....teaching me.  And then when my daughter was born it became even more clear why He had laid the path He had throughout my pregnancy.  My baby (now almost a year old!) had extreme colic.  She cried and cried and we walked in circles around the house......for hours (and hours) on end.  I remember the day, when she let me sit down and rock her instead of walking.  My backside was completely numb, but I was so happy!  It was not uncommon for me to rock her or wear her in a sling 10-12 hours out of the day.  I was so thankful God had prepared me ahead of time.  Don't get me wrong there were days I was tired. But I was so content just to rock her, because that's what she needed.

My children need me to be still to connect with them.  My husband needs me to be rested to enjoy time with him.  My God needs me to be quiet to hear Him.