Practicing God's Presence {as a busy mom}

Weaving my way through a field of flowers, I feel the close presence of God. As I walk, I begin to share my thoughts, my fears, my joys...

Growing up on a small family farm, nestled deep in the countryside of rural America, I was very familiar with stillness. It was easy to go on walks and feel isolated from the cares of the world. My favorite conversations with God were on those walks.

So as I steal away from the busyness of the day, I am reunited with my Friend who I have come to know deeply through our many quiet times together. But this time, interestingly, I became a little sad. I know that God is with me throughout my busy day, amidst the never-ending to-do lists and demands of mothering, but why can't I experience the same closeness?

You can, He whispers to my soul.

My mind drifts to the writings in Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence (a short but very powerful book). Brother Lawrence, who lived as a monk in the 17th century, was assigned to work as a cook in a bustling monastery kitchen. In spite of the daily demands and his own insecurities, "Brother Lawrence learned to retreat to a place in his heart where the love of God made every detail of his life of surpassing value."

"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it." 

~ Brother Lawrence

Continual conversation with God... My first reaction to such an idea was one of amazement. Then I was filled with doubt. I mean, that's all well and good for a monk, but seriously, how can I, a mother of two little boys (and one with significant special needs), continuously practice God's presence?

The more I thought about it the more I wanted it. So I made a list of ways I could begin practicing the presence of God as a busy mom. And let me say, I have been greatly rewarded. 

1. Acknowledge His presence: I find just simply reminding myself that God is omnipresent makes me more aware of His presence. Truly, He is here beside me. Also, I try to talk aloud of His power and majesty so my children can hear; to voice how nature reflects His glory. It is incredible how that puts my whole family in a "praising mood".

2. Worship/Thanksgiving: Praising God and recounting His provisions adjusts my heart to a state of humility and intense adoration - setting the stage for trust, joy, and wonderful conversation. I love to sing hymns as I work and sing praise songs with my children. 

3. Eliminate unnecessary distraction: Turning off the TV, putting away the cell phone, and shutting down the computer all help to ease the level of distraction around me so I can converse with God while checking off the items on my to-do list. Plus, eliminating those distractions help me to get my work done faster so I am able to have a time of quiet with God. 

4. Spend time in the Word/Memorize & Quote Scripture: What is better than leaning on God's words of truth and vocalizing His promises?! Scripture memorization is one area where I very much lack. I often put verses around the house but rarely do I commit them to memory... I am going to change that.

5. Pray: Just like dialoging with a friend, coming before the throne of God throughout the day and sharing my thoughts with God fuels growth in our relationship and foster my awareness of His presence. How wonderful and amazing it is that we, thanks to Christ, can openly converse with God! 

5b. Repent: Remove the barrier that hinders growth of the relationship. There is no greater thing than receiving God's beautiful, faithful grace after confessing my sin. This is the very reason why Christ died and defeated death - to restore a broken relationship. 

"We should fix ourselves firmly in the presence of God by conversing all the time with Him...we should feed our soul with a lofty conception of God and from that derive great joy in being his. We should put life in our faith. We should give ourselves utterly to God in pure abandonment, in temporal and spiritual matters alike, and find contentment in the doing of His will, whether he takes us through sufferings or consolations." ~ Brother Lawrence

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But yet, I will always see my walks as a special time with my Friend...