I do not occupy myself

with things too great

and too marvelous for me.

But I have calmed

      and quieted my soul,

like a weaned child

     with its mother,

like a weaned child

   is my soul within me.

             Psalm 131. 1-2

(Even as adults,

there are times when we

just want to cry out

in the darkness, "Mommy!"

One of our girls once said

upon waking from a bad dream,

"If I only knew you were here,

I would not have been afraid."

We are with You, O LORD.

We need not

        understand everything

   or anything

other than You love and

        care for us

and You are with us in this.

We need not be afraid,

no matter what is

     swirling around,

both real and imagined.)

O LORD,

We use up all available energy

  by worrying,

instead of being energized

       by trusting You.

Help us to hear Your voice,

sense Your Presence,

feel Your embrace,

take Your hand

rest in You,

           and respond.

We need You.

Help us to abide in You.

May we not be oblivious

      to circumstances,

but responsive to You.

"In quietness and in trust

  shall be our strength."

             (Isaiah 30. 15)