“I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Psalm 131:2

Power Down to Power Up!

Recently, our power, computers, home phones, and cell phones were all out for a full week, and I was forced to mentally slow down. Yes, there were things to tend to just to keep the house going, but mostly, life seemed truly peaceful. We altered the way we did a lot of things, played cribbage for entertainment, and truly rested without interruption. I began to “power down” and focus on what was in front of me at the time, and often that focus turned to neighbors in need. We all became an interwoven community of people caring for one another. Now, that’s peace and joy in the Holy Spirit!

Looking over my life recently, I began to see that a lot of my peace-stealers were things I could actually control. I can take a break from cell phone activity; there’s a button on the side for that! And really, most of the time, I don’t need an up-to-the-minute report on anything at all. The computer is handy for some things (writing for example!), but it’s OK to take a break from that, too. Many of us have forgotten how to be still, ever, and even with the Lord.

Recently, my husband and I were visiting with two young adults at a fast (very fast) food restaurant. They had just twenty minutes to eat their hamburgers, a side of fries, a couple of chocolate shakes and get to the movie theater. Between gulps, fingers flew madly over their phone keyboards to figure out movie particulars, as ketchup and fries somehow made it down the hatch. My stomach was in a knot just thinking about this breakneck pace of life that’s become so normal to many.

So many times while out shopping, I’ve heard one side of another person’s cell phone conversation, and I can tell, the question posed was, “Where are you?” Now, I have to wonder, why, oh why, do folks need to know where we are at every given hour of every given day? “Uh, well, I’m in Penney’s in the underwear department (if you must know)!” When our power and phones were out, no one knew where anyone was, and it felt somehow liberating! Of course there are safety reasons for knowing our loved ones’ whereabouts, but seriously, I think this all adds to the stress level of life. Being accountable for every second is just plain exhausting.

“Dear Jesus, please, in Your great mercy, save us from ourselves and the falsely perceived need to go faster and faster just to keep up with life. S-l-o-w us down to a manageable pace, and make us aware when things are getting out of control. Open our ears to Your still small voice that can’t be heard in the din of life. Help us “power-down” and as a result, “power up” with You. Thank You for Your patient love and guidance. Amen.”