...aspire to live quietly, and
to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed
you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on
no one.
~1 Thess. 4:11-12
Our world thinks little of a quiet life. I, too, have wrestled with the reality of a small, quiet life. It is only recently that I have grasped its intrinsic value.
A stronger marriage. My man and I love each other deeply, but I never want to assume that our marriage is unshakable. A quiet life will protect our time together and enable us to better serve each other.
A stronger family. As we prepare for my girl to enter high school this year, I am acutely aware that our time is short. A quiet life will give plenty of opportunities to teach, laugh, cry, listen, play, and encourage. I want to savor each one.
A stronger relationship with the Lord. My life flourishes when I have meaningful time in the Word and in prayer. A quiet life, not crowded with meaningless activities, will give me that time each day.
A stronger contentment. I am most content when appreciate the blessings the Lord has poured out on my life. A quiet life will keep me from comparing myself with others, allow me to do the things I most enjoy, and help me see the goodness of the Lord.
Stronger friendships. I've been guilty of allowing technology to take the place of personal contact. A quiet life means not relying on social media or text messaging to find out what's going on in the lives of those who are dear to me. It will also give me time to send handwritten notes of encouragement and appreciation.
A stronger ministry. I have often missed out on serving others because I didn't have the time or energy. A quiet life, not overwhelmed by demands, will make it easier to open our home and to intentionally care for and disciple others.
A stronger witness. A solid marriage, a solid family, a solid theology, a stronger prayer life, a stronger contentment, stronger friendships and a stronger ministry - as Paul instructs, walking properly before outsiders. All shining lights so that others may praise God. (Matthew 5:16)
A quiet life requires thorough introspection and unwavering commitment, but it is a life well-lived. It is a life of incomparable worth. It is a life I intend to pursue with all my heart.
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing these posts, Melissa.
Thank you, thank you. Like seeing my own thoughts and feelings written down. These are the very things that have been increasingly stirring in me, and its a great blessing to hear them echoed from a sister in Christ.
The part about contentment is very true!!! (I mean, it all is, but that one stuck out at me in this moment.)
And the handwritten note part.
Melissa,
You have done such a terrific job at articulating these thoughts. Our modern culture has catapulted us to a level of "noise" never dreamed of before. When we were married almost 40 yrs ago, we lived in the Rockies and had no telephone or even tv. Just a record player with vinyl records.
Communication was strictly by letters or payphones. I really do miss those days.
Thank you for these good words.
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