We all know it’s happened to us. We’re in bed with our husband, and he is being oh so attentive. Softly stroking us, gently kissing us, when out of nowhere pops the thought, “Did I start the dishwasher?” And it opens up the floodgates of things that will run our day tomorrow. “I’ve got to remember to sign Sarah’s permission slip”, and” don’t forget to buy a gift for Anne’s party”, and on and on it goes. So many things to keep track of, and yet in this moment, I am missing out on one of the most important things I do, connecting with my husband.
So how do we quiet our mind? How do we think about nothing besides this amazing moment?
It takes faith….It takes not worrying. It takes knowing that God will provide everything that I need. When I realize that I can accomplish nothing on my own, and surrender control to God, it allows me to live in the moment rather than worrying about tomorrow.
Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God…
It takes practice… quieting my mind as I pray to God allows me to hear Him. It allows me to sense His presence and to sometimes just be with Him. In the same way, when I quiet my mind as I connect with my husband, I will feel him, see him and know him as I have never known him before.
It takes clearing my head in advance … I am all for any practical ways that you can let your mind rest. If it takes making a quick list before going to bed, do it. If it takes talking through tomorrows schedule with your husband, go for it. But then let it rest.
It takes breathing deeply and letting go … sometimes we need to let our bodies express what we want our mind to experience. Breath in, breath out. Breath in, breath out. Breath in quiet and breath out stress, worry, busyness.
It takes pulling myself back with a gentle persistence… don’t get frustrated. When you feel yourself going there, just gently pull yourself back and reengage with your husband. See him, hear him, feel him.
So for your mission this week, practice having a quiet mind and be absolutely present with your husband.
Originally published as The Quiet Mind on March 12, 2014
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