The Need for Quiet

(side note: I wrote this a couple of weeks ago; It happens to be raining today but not non- stop;)

It's been raining... for two weeks straight. To say we are getting stir crazy would be an understatement. I love rainy days when we are all snuggled up comfortable and dry inside, falling asleep to the steady sound of the rain hitting the roof, getting things done around the house... but I am ready for the rain to stop! (Though we are thankful not to be in a drought)

The noise level has been at an all time high as the kids have been running around crazy as all kids do who have been cooped up all week. Though I appreciate Diego and the Wild Kratts keeping the little ones entertained, they are really getting on my nerves. I love my children but they seem to think I am a couch as they climb and bounce on me. When they are not suffocating me they are making messes; neverending messes.

Though I have gained a tolerance for the noise level in our home, I have desperately been desiring quiet. To be alone with my thoughts; to think and concentrate without being disturbed. The introvert in me is trying hard not to crack. Try as I might, it is getting harder and harder to find any solace in a little house with 7 people. A couple of hours alone to lesson plan, read and write sound like pure bliss. I had planned to go out this morning to do just that but the rain decided to come down even harder; flooding the streets.

I was so disappointed but was able to get a little time to myself (though not undisturbed) locked up in my room. The rain finally stopped and I was able to make it out to Panera's. It really wasn't that quiet there but I was thankful to have some time to myself. It's amazing how much you can get done in a short amount of time when you aren't being pulled in a million directions! (Thanks honey!)

I could have used a whole weekend to myself but I decided I better come home. Shouts of "Mommy!" welcomed me as I entered the door. The house was a lot messier than when I left it and the questions and the cries of hunger started right away but I am always glad to come back to the ones I love.

Though it's nice to have time to myself in peace and quiet, I am thankful for the cacophony that is my life as a mom. The noise and the constant demands only make me appreciate the times of quiet and peace even more. Being loved and needed is what we all desire and crave. It brings meaning and purpose to our lives. It drives us on and motivates us. Though I often desire more quiet than I get, I prefer the chaos of my precious crazy little ones to the silence of being alone(as in not having a family.)

I know there are many other mama's out there wishing for some time to themselves; a few moments of pure silence. (Especially if you are a SAHM or Homeschool) We all need it. Even Jesus got away from the crowds and withdrew to desolate places( Luke 5:16) On the days when the quiet and the alone time never comes it can be overwhelming and exhausting. When those days come, let us hide ourselves in Jesus and find true peace and quiet in him. He is able to restore us and refresh us even in the midst of the pandemonium that is everyday life.

Have you had a hard week? Are you ready to run out of the house and escape the noise and the constant demands? I hope you get some quiet and time to yourself but if not, cry out to God and ask him to quiet and restore your soul as you care for the needs of your family. He is able meet all your needs; giving you his perfect peace and rest.

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

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