A Quiet Life
We urge you, brothers and sisters… to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.
I Thessalonians 4:10,11
It’s been a while since I’ve dared open the news app on my phone. Every time I do, my peace flees, my stomach clenches tight, and I stumble my way into worry. Yet to remain ignorant of what’s going on in our culture feels a little like the Canadian goose I almost ran over today. She was curled up in the middle of the road with her head tucked into her tummy, looking for all the world like she was safe and secure while her fellow-geese squawked and scolded and my SUV barreled towards her. I barely missed! And yet she looked so serene…
And I wonder… in a world gone wild with dissent and disagreement, what might it mean for us to live a quiet life?
A Quiet Life is the opposite of the clenched jaw, uber-responsible, out-to-prove-my-worth, people-pleasing, approval-needing striving that is weighted with anxiety. Neither is the Quiet Life rigidly chained to living quietly! At least not if Quiet is defined by systematic order or never rocking the boat.
So, what is it? This Quiet Life we are urged to live?
As I’ve studied and read and prayed and thought about this for myself, I’ve come to some conclusions about the way I want to live in these decidedly un-Quiet times. And because I’m a mother and grandmother, I believe that ushering my family into living Quiet is one of my main roles right now. I may not be able to interfere with the rioting in our city, but I can influence the relationships that look to me as a refuge, a safe haven of love and acceptance when all the world is kicking up dust and choking on conflict.
Here are some thoughts:
A Quiet Life is marked by a non-anxious presence. I want my people to find in me a quiet refuge. Worry only makes me uptight— or worse, controlling. Which means that I’ll need to bring every worry to God at the beginning of every day and at the end of every day. I cannot afford to ignore, nor indulge my fears.
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you.” I Peter 5v7
A Quiet Life is saturated in the love of God. When I purpose to remind my soul that I am the Father’s beloved daughter, I cannot help but fill up so full with His love that when someone ‘bumps into me’, love spills out.
“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:19
A Quiet Life lets go of the illusion of control. I cannot, will not allow myself to live under the tyranny of my to-do list! Nor dare I insist on my people living my way. Instead, I will allow enough margin in my days to stop, to listen, and to serve.
“Whatever we do, it is because Christ’s love controls us.” 2 Corinthians 5v9
A Quiet Life is not critical of… anybody. Instead, a person living quietly is intent on overlooking faults, allowing the Spirit to do the transforming He does with such grace.
“… fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and honorable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4v8
A Quiet Life endures suffering with joy. I realize more than ever that my attitude sets the tone for our family. If I’m groaning and complaining, fluttering my hands in despair… I’ll be a barrier to peace for those I love the most. Yes, transparency and honest are highly valued! But if everyone around me knows I’m upset then they also know I haven’t entrusted myself to God.
“Our hearts ache but we always have joy.” 2 Corinthians v10
I look at my list and can’t help but see the paradox that this living of a Quiet Life for the sake of my people cannot come without some struggle— and death to my Self. I’ll need daily, hourly reminders that it’s not about me. That this is something my Lord is asking of me, something He will do in me as I draw near and accept His invitations into a Quiet Life.
Are you with me?
From my heart,
Diane