Now We (Actually) Know Our ABC's:
An Alphabet for Mom

By Sarah Hart

Q is for Quiet

Today I am at home, sitting at my desk, listening to only the sound of my fingers clacking against the keyboard of my laptop. It is an amazing sound . . . quiet — one we moms, and actually any and all of us, don't get much chance to experience.

As I was traveling last weekend I was particularly aware of it at Denver Airport. I listened to the music piping over the loud speakers, and out of various stores. It was quite nearly the sound of ten music boxes wound and playing at the same time, all a different song; security personnel yelling; people talking on cell phones, laughing, shouting; baristas loudly repeating orders (it'd better be right; it's coffee, people!). Someone was texting on the escalator and talking to themselves; someone running and screaming "hold the door!"; babies wailing (which was completely understandable). My own phone was ringing. I ignored it.

Being silent . . . contemplating . . . is beyond hard to do. I would guess, though, that it is one of the elements that draws us to adoration, that makes us desire it more than we are even aware. Just to be in a room, alone with the Lord, LISTENING. Wow, listening! It's an oasis amid the distractions of the world.

Moms, and all . . . my challenge for you today is to get 5 minutes of quiet — even if you have to sit in your car, or lock the bathroom door, whatever. Just be still. And know that God is, and hear the voice. Listen. Quiet.

Fill me, O God.
Fill me, O God.
Pour out your holy love and
fill me, O God . . .