Quiet moments can shape our whole day.
Sometimes the only calm I find is in the soft light before the house wakes up. My sketchbook open and coffee cooling beside me, I breathe in the hush and ask God for just enough peace to meet what’s next.
I’m working on rebuilding quiet into my day.
Right now, it starts with adding in a morning routine of getting up ahead of my alarm. Any amount of time before my alarm is scheduled to go off is mine to enjoy, and gives me incentive to be up and about before it rings.
Sometimes, the morning starts with taking inventory of myself, my thoughts, and where I’m at mentally. Those are the days I stay a bit longer in bed, but alert and processing through the tangle of feelings and worries.
Other days, I’m up immediately to let our fur kiddos out (proud mama of 3 dogs, as well as a thriving almost-14-year-old) and set up my coffee to brew. Then I find one of my comfort spots for relaxing and meeting God before everything else happens.
Sometimes, it’s working on a devotional or Bible study, other times I just meditate and allow myself to be open to his prodding. Sometimes it’s drawing while talking to God, or journaling my prayer talk with him. Other times, it’s working on a puzzle and soaking up time with our pups, accepting their warmth and companionship.
God has a lot of different stories and ideas he works through with me. He definitely had fun when he set up my personality and various gifts/skills.
It’s incredible to reflect on the way God has guided me through creative brainstorming to these amazing inspirations that simply take my own breath away; like, “really? I did that?” It’s equally fascinating when he does nothing but ease me back into moments of quiet reflection and serenity. He truly knows what I need in each moment, so long as I allow myself to be led by him.
My favorite way to spend quiet time is with my journal — writing out my conversations with God is cathartic and grounding on so many levels.
When I reach the level of flow I usually have with my artwork, it’s like everything fades to the background and it’s just the two of us. The ‘talk’ shifts back and forth and I truly feel heard and answered.
I have the times I let my mind wander through all my different thoughts while drawing or writing, asking God to highlight the ideas and tasks that I need to capture and remember – these become my focus points during the day. But the rest is like a giant brain dump, releasing me to wipe the slate clean; to release whatever unnecessary things I’m carrying and put them to rest for good.
These quiet moments of reflection help me ease into the unknown of the day and are my safety net — my opportunity to intentionally focus on where I want my mind to be as I start my day.
What does your morning look like?
If you want, try this: pause for a single deep breath, and whisper a prayer for steady hands and a gentle heart today.
Share your favorite quiet ritual below, or just let me know if you need a prayer friend this week. ☕🕊️
Sprinkle some joy in the comments! 🎨