Anya heaved a sigh as she hung up the last of her washing. She was glad the girls were napping. She was so tired! She felt that David was working way too hard and was not helping her enough with parenting. She missed her parents who were now far away visiting Vanya her twin sister in Seattle. She plonked herself on the cane couch and held her coffee with both her hands – closing her eyes she said the verse she knew so well.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 NIV

Karlene picked up Jack and Josh at the Day Care and drove back home. She had missed her quiet time yet again today. At the hospital, her day had been busy, one of her patients Mr. Johansen had passed away and she had nothing planned for dinner. Heating up leftovers for herself and Peter, she whipped up pasta for the boys. After dinner and washing up, a tired Karlene sat at her bedside and looked up the words of a hymn that came to mind.

Drop your still dews of quietness

Till all our strivings cease

Take from our souls the strain and stress

And let our ordered lives confess

The beauty of Thy peace.

(Dear God embracing humankind)

Jena was a single Mum juggling 2 jobs. She woke up at 5 am to fix meals for the day and have some quiet with the Lord. Her small home had a green couch by the window overlooking the park next door. That was her little haven.

In the quiet moments- absorb Christ, give yourself up to His personality and soak your mind in His words.

-Patience Strong.

‘How do parents discipline their children?’ wondered Gina as she retired to the balcony after a tough conversation with her 3 teenagers. She so wanted them to enjoy life, be safe and hold on to Christ for comfort and strength. ‘Why is it that they never understand?’ she asked herself, looking up at the stars, seeking God.

When I wait on the Lord, He is my help, my shield. My heart rejoices and I enjoy His unfailing love. Psalm 33:20-22 NIV

After a rough conversation, Nita found herself alone in her bedroom in a pool of tears. Ranik had shouted, she had yelled. Everything was hot including the weather. She buried her head in her pillow and called out to God.

Reclothe us in our rightful mind

In purer lives your service find

In deeper reverence praise.

(Dear God embracing humankind)

Jean had lost her dear husband 2 years back. She was now lonely and the house was so quiet and forlorn. Even when the room was full of people and there was laughter and chatter, she felt alone and missed Jay a lot. ‘Will she ever get over this?’ she wondered as she walked by herself on the beach calling out to God.

Be still, for the presence of our God

The Holy One is here.

About 5 years back, when returning to Auckland after a holiday in India, I was told much to my surprise, in Kuala Lumpur that my ticket on the connecting flight had been given away to another passenger and that I had to stay on and board the next flight. The next flight was the following day at 9 pm. I was given a room in the airport hotel and some food vouchers. I called my very distraught and angry family and explained the situation before sitting at one of the airport cafes for a breakfast of pancakes and coffee.

 Those 2 days were my days with the Lord in that beautifully decorated, spotless hotel room. I had my Bible and journal with me. I also had “Breathe” a book by Priscilla Shirer, one I had bought recently but had not read.

I delved into the book and dug into the Bible. I prayed for our family; I wrote down lists. Remembering people who had asked for prayer, I pleaded to God. I would have meals in the quiet of my own heartbeat and walk the length and breadth of the airport. Then I would get back to my time with the Lord.

The next day I happily boarded my flight and then met my relieved, joyous family at the other end but I had learnt a valuable lesson, that I could find balance and direction only with the Lord.