My Hiding Place for the Times in Between

My hiding place, especially for the times in between the chaos, is in the quiet with my Jesus. Thank you, God, for the quiet times you come to me in the whispers of the morning. I stay in awe of my surroundings, even as the storms of life humble me. Sometimes I forget to be still and appreciate every second.

I remember to go to God directly at these moments. When I breathe you in, Lord, I see you in everything, and my future is yours. These times in between are the blessings. You offer a way to give them respite from the lessons and work on my journey to our home in heaven. God Bless the Hiding Place where you gently hold me close as I come to you, in the quiet.

It is one of those mornings; the kids are still sleeping. It may only be a few extra minutes, yet beautifully peaceful. It sits in a room with expansive open windows on a glorious spring day. Sun shining in the stillness. You are sitting there, listening to the fantastic sounds of life. The combination of music and movement of the outside is astounding. It first hears cars and trucks passing on the nearby road and the occasional exit from our neighborhood. Wondering where those engines are going, and what awaits them today?

God has prompted them to ready themselves for the day while He has me sitting here quietly observing the weekday dance. The scene creates a feeling of awe at these times. Watching the hustle and bustle of the vehicles heading into and out of town. In these in-between moments, utter peace envelops as the conversation of chirping birds wake and discuss their day (at least, we can believe that is what they are doing?) But, one of the most intentional sounds ever heard — seeing the trees as they stand prominent and bold against the blue sky God has allowed on this perfect day. This moment of peace and serenity.

Oh my, what was that? Someone stirred and rolled to the wooden floor beneath their bed ~ THUD~ and now they are moving step by step and hearing them as they take their first-morning stroll to the bathroom. No words, just movement. Then suddenly, a top spins out of control, the quiet disrupts. The puppy was now whining from her kennel. The whiney bark, her way of saying, “GET ME OUT OF HERE, PLEASE!”

Then another loud sound! Offspring and a friend rushed in after a sleepover. The back door flew open. They prance directly into your room and begin chatting. Sharing their plans to go hiking and enjoy the lovely weather. Renewed with rest and joy, they are eager to meet with nature. They want to enjoy this day to its fullest, and it shows on their faces.

Younger one now has moved in, hyper puppy in hand. I say goodbye to the peaceful moment of listening to God’s whispers and the creations outdoors — shifting your attention to God’s designs in the room in your face — saying “Good Morning” with a gigantic smile, as you’re so aware of the many blessings.

You ponder which sound is more majestic, a sample of God’s humbling creation. Both are magnificent. We need both sounds and experiences. We need the quiet so we can appreciate and go to Him often daily, hourly or minute-to-minute. Peaceful moments abound, found in nature. We can permanently close our eyes or take a deep breath, reflecting on the wonder of His gifts to us. Closing your eyes with just one cleansing breath. Allowing you to breathe Him in again.

Other sounds, loud noises, active family, pure love. Joy of new day, grateful for our children. It’s a fun way to experience a morning. Hearing them scurrying around, aware that their timing here is short. God has unique and individual plans for them; indeed, they will pursue them one day soon. It’s a joy to see kids bursting into the room, happy to share their day.

Laundry, groceries, cleaning, new cleats—the day’s demands grow. Pause and express gratitude to Jesus.

Thank you, Father, for the cross, suffering, and resurrection. Thank you for the strength of Jesus showed so we may have the power for another day. Thank you for the blessings of our life. Thank you for the most beautiful husband who shares his love in constant acts of service to his wife, children, and others. Thank you for helping us understand our differences make us so very strong in Christ. Thank you for always bringing us together in the storms of life so that we remain grounded in You after it has come to us. Thank you for allowing us to throw a few hands of dirt or even a pebble at each other without damaging the Christ-centered heart of our marriage and relationships. Thank you for always allowing us our humanness with understanding and the guidance of your Holy Spirit back to the promises we trust. Thank you for letting us find laughter in our weaknesses and slip-ups. Thank you for choosing us to be together in this walk and constantly reminding us at any moment. Knowing if we turn to You either together or apart, all things will become growth in your plan for our lives. Thank you, God, for giving us a lasting love that is always hungry for your desires for our walk. Thank you, Jesus, for our children, who have given us great joy and the testing of our own will. Thank you for making them the fantastic kids that are hungry and seeking you in their lives. Thank you for the daily testimony of their lives to us as they face a world of crazy circumstances, violence, and negative attraction, as well as a media and a technologically overflowing world. Thank you, that our children face this world knowing you with an awareness that you, Jesus, walk beside them always. Thank you for life’s trials, hardships, and joys, for each brings us closer to you.

So, I say THANK YOU, God, for my Father ~, THANK YOU to the Holy Spirit, my guiding light, and ~ THANK YOU, Jesus, FOR THE CROSS!

You, Father, are my HIDING PLACE ~ Thank you for the Times In Between.