What We Can Do

When our kids were little, we borrowed the idea of a “quiet time” from their Hayashi cousins. Since naps were now a thing of the past, it was possible for our kids to function without breaks all day. But like any other human, there are waves of energy and engagement that kids have (and parents) and we tend to have more successful days when we honour that.

At first, our sons did not like quiet time. They protested and bargained, promising to play quietly or just to watch a movie. But the rule was that they had to stay in their separate rooms, by themselves and it had to be quiet - ish.

I’d often do dishes while they were restlessly pacing their rooms trying to figure out how to spend the time, then when it got quiet, I’d take a nap or catch up on reading.

One of my favourite things about quiet time, was that when it was over, I’d quietly walk toward their rooms and peek in to let them know they could come out. What I’d discover each time was remarkable.

Cardboard boxes had been transformed into parking garages for their cars.

Or one would be asleep on the floor with a marker still in his hand and the other son would be in his closet (now a rocket) with a bucket helmet on pushing coloured buttons on a paper dashboard in front of him. Inventions were created, toys went on adventures, fans propelled paper airplanes across the room, magic tricks were practiced, stories written, imaginations soared and their little hearts, minds and bodies were settled down, restful, creative and content.

Because of Covid, many of us have to stay in our houses. We pace, trying to figure out what we can do. We feel restless thinking about all our favourite things that are not here and we want out.

But what if, we allow this quiet time to free our creativity and help us to settle in and appreciate what we have around us. What if we can make something out of what we have. What if, after feeling restless for a little while, we can find purposeful work, playful things, satisfying projects or maybe fall asleep with a book in our hand. After all, maybe we are weary and long for some quiet time.

I pray for you today, that you’ll take a deep life-giving breath and exhale as you accept your present circumstances. I pray you’ll see what you CAN do. That your imagination will come alive, you’ll turn your attention toward God and what He may have in mind for you as you hold your agenda loosely. I pray that as you pace your room a little, and allow the restlessness to settle down, that your heart and mind will come alive with a playful sense of adventure and that you’ll enter into something that engages and interests you. Maybe you’ll lose track of time and maybe when it’s time to come out and have more options, you might just choose to stay a little longer.

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

Philippians 4:7, The Message