It’s not normal for me to be still. I prefer to be on the go. If I’m awake, I’m moving. Whether it’s because I’m trying to efficiently complete my work responsibilities for the day, or simply conquer the to-do list at home, my day is filled with motion and commotion.

    

Typically, this is good. It allows me to accomplish as much as possible in the day. While this is the pace I prefer, I have to admit, it catches up with me periodically. I know I’ve overdone it when I start to get cranky, start to see responsibilities as forced obligations, or when my body starts to get rundown and sick.

 

When I recognize these warning signs, I know it’s time to think about putting my life in “airplane mode”. I begin to long for some peace, quiet, and tranquility. With the pressures of life and our fast-paced society, those can be hard to find.

 

As I’ve been studying the life of Christ, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see that He lived a different way. He regularly chose Silence and Solitude over Motion and Commotion. The rhythm and pace of Jesus’ life was much more balanced than ours often are. Sure, He experienced the exhausting demands of people who always seemed to want or need something from Him. He was well acquainted with a full plate of responsibilities. But He also knew when to step back, rest, connect with His Heavenly Father, and find direction. I need to be more like Jesus in this respect.

 

Matthew 14 tells us about two times Jesus got away to find silence and solitude. The first example is during a time of painful crisis. “Now, when Jesus heard this (the death of His cousin, John the Baptist), he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself.” – Matthew 14:13. The second example, just a handful of verses later, is when Jesus needed to get away from the demands of life to reconnect with His Heavenly Father. “After he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.” – Matthew 14:23. In both instances, we see Jesus choosing Silence and Solitude over Motion and Commotion.

 

These aren’t isolated examples. They are the rhythm and habit of Jesus’ life. We’re wise to follow in His footsteps and make this the pattern of our lives, as well. Perhaps you’re like me – with days filled with motion and commotion. Let’s work together this year to trade Motion and Commotion in for Silence and Solitude.