I haven’t participated in FMF for a long, LONG time. But something about this word resonated, so here I am.
Our Five Minute Friday prompt this week is—LOUD. This largely unedited “rough draft” form of writing stretches this perfectionist, in the best of ways. We write for five minutes on a given word. If you’re interested in learning more about 5-Minute Fridays, check out the Five Minute Friday website. Or, click on the link at the bottom of this post. As you read my simpler Friday posts, I hope you’ll join in the conversation!
LOUD
Who knew LOUD could be a feeling?
As I look back on this week . . .
We’re navigating a family emergency.
The boys started school in-person.
There’s so much uncertainty . . . I feel like life is blaring all around me. Pulsing into me with the beating of its rhythm.
I’m in a place of overwhelm.
God’s still quiet voice is trying to find purchase in my heart. My thoughts.
I’m learning like never before, in this crazy year called 2020, the necessity of quiet places.
Quiet places in my schedule.
Grace for those times when I need to withdraw from the loudness of everything in order to still my soul.
To incline my ear to hear my Father’s voice.
There’s grace for those times when the loud of the days, when the booming of uncertainties seem to drown out everything else.
When I withdraw to a quiet place with the Lord,
When I seek Him in prayer and in His word,
When I take a walk and listen to a book instead of doing something that feels like an obligation,
That’s when I can overcome the loud.
I guess sometimes we need to offer ourselves the grace to take care of us so we can handle all the urgency this life pushes on us.
In this loud season I’m living in, I’m choosing to do things that quiet my soul so I can hear my Father’s words for me.
His words whisper life to an overwhelmed spirit. His words breathe grace into a heavy heart. His words offer hope when everything this life reveals feels like too much.
What about you? What is helping you find quiet in the loud places of life right now? How do you show yourself grace in overwhelming seasons?
I’m linking up with Five Minute Friday
Click to Tweet: I’m learning like never before, in this crazy year called 2020, the necessity of quiet places
those quiet times with the Lord and out in nature are sooo important! Thanks for capturing the loudness of our lives and giving us the antidote for it!!
I agree, Kathy. It’s those times in nature that quiet my spirit when the noise of the world threatens to overwhelm me. I always appreiate your visits!
Kathy, you’re right. It’s the quiet of time spent in nature that helps me not become overwhelmed with the loudness of my life. 🙂 I always appreciate your visits!
I have missed you at FMF – so good to read your thoughts again. Sorry it has been a “loud” week – praying that this week will ahead will be a bit quieter…and that you will see God working (turning down the volume) and will hear His voice throughout each day!!
You’re so sweet, Jennifer. I’ve missed posting over at FMF. But life with teens . . . and all kinds of other things going on . . . it’s impossible to do everything I want to do. 🙂 Thanks so much for your prayers for a quieter week and that I will see God working in my days. Sending hugs!
Those quiet places have become our lifeline …
Yes, indeed, Linda. Yes indeed.
It’s so important for us to take time for ourselves.
Hey Tara, you’re so right. I’m learning that, especially in stressful seasons, we need to give ourselves time to do those things that help us relax and refresh. Thanks so much for visiting!
When the world is loud and my head hurts, I turn to God and ask Him to help quiet my soul. 🙂
I always love the simplicity and beauty of your thoughts, Melissa!
I so relate to this post. Thanks for sharing.
The photo is beautiful. Did you take it?
Please forgive the delayed response, Sandra. It’s been a crazy few days in my corner of the world. 🙂 Yes, almost all of the photos I share on my blog are ones I’ve taken. I’m glad you related to the post. I so appreciate you stopping by!
So comforting that He is right there, ready and waiting for us to come to Him and rest from our loud and busy lives. I can get so easily overwhelmed so quickly with everything going in the world and our personal life right now. He is my quiet place, my rest in the storm.
Thank you for the sweet words of encouragement!
Love,
Annie FMF #18
Annie, there have been many times when our Father’s comfort has quieted me and led me to a resting place. We all need it don’t we? He’s my quiet place and my rest in life’s storms too. Thank you so much for stopping by!
What a lovely surprise to see you at FMF! And I agree, the world is so loud right now. We really need those moments when we can withdraw and listen to God’s still small voice and be reminded of truth.
It’s fun to visit, Lesley. I wish I could begin committing to every week again, but . . . today’s word just spoke to my heart and where I am right now. 🙂 Yes, we must be intentional about withdrawing from the noise to hear God’s still small voice. Have a great weekend!
It’s so interesting how people respond differently to prompts. Everything about the word LOUD made me want to not participate today. But I love the FMF experience, and I determined in my heart that I would push myself. I suppose that is a big part of life – knowing when to push and when to let go.
Amie, FMF #14
Amie, it’s so nice to meet you! It is fun to see how God leads with a single-word prompt, isn’t it? I haven’t participated in FMF for months, mostly because life is crazy right now. But, I saw this word, and the thoughts started racing. I’m looking forward to reading your take on this word. 🙂
“Sometimes we need to offer ourselves the grace to take care of us so we can handle all the urgency this life pushes on us” – so much truth in this. Something I’m having to remind myself frequently in these unprecedented times. Thank you for sharing!
Wemi, this is a lesson I’ve had to learn in new ways this year. It seems like it doesn’t take as much to overwhelm me as it used to. I’m becoming more attuned to those times of overwhelm and learning how to give myself time away from life for a bit. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Visiting as your FMF neighbor. Welcome back. You haven’t missed a step.
Thanks for your kind words. 😉 It’s nice to be back for a visit. 😉
I was sitting in the silence
quailing from Satan’s attack,
when in an act of Holy violence
Jesus slapped me on the back,
saying, “Oi, there, boyo, do you know
that there’s things that Old Nick hates
and will give a body-blow,
making him put on his skates?
He really can’t stand joyous laughter,
and singing is not far behind;
do these loud, you’ll be his master,
and dance will make him lose his mind.”
And so I laughed, and I did sing,
and danced a jig with Christ the King.
Awww, Andrew. Thank you for your words. There is definitely a time when “Loud” is good. Laughter, singing, dancing? Yup, those are all good times for loud.
As I read your words, I thought about my youngest who speaks very loudly. He says he sings loud (Wouldn’t know as he only sings at school . . . when I can’t hear him 🙂 ). I laugh loud. I’ll own it. And laughter is a beautiful sound, loud or soft.
I’m praying for you, my friend.