. . . I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap, so is my soul within me. // Psalm 131:2
I awake from another night of troubled dreaming, my mind already churning as a litany of worries tumbles into my heart. I have been managing my anxiety so well lately, but it still finds ways to sneak up on me like this, prowling behind me while I brush my teeth, make my bed, stumble into the kitchen for a cup of tea, and wipe barely-repressed tears from the corners of my eyes. I slump wearily into a chair at the kitchen table and close my eyes, desperate for some peace.
Lately my holy imagination has been taking me to the Lord’s lap in these moments of distress. I imagine Him smiling tenderly at me as I clamber up onto His knees and press my head against His chest, the way I used to do to my mom when I was a little girl. I imagine Him tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear before wrapping His arms tightly around me, kissing the top of my head, and whispering, “I’m right here.” I imagine the beat of my heart slowing to match His, and my soul quietens within me.
We live in a noisy world, and it is hard to still our souls—especially when an onslaught of bad news from media outlets, fears for our loved ones, concerns about our health, and dozens of other stressors clamor for our attention each day. We all need a safe place to be held, to let go and be loved.
Sister, may I invite you to spend some time in the lap of the Lord today? An adoration chapel is the perfect place to practice this kind of childlike presence. Or if that is not possible, find a cozy place to curl up at home. Speak to Him in the stillness—tell Him everything—and let Him hold your head close to His Heart. Allow our Prince of Peace to give you rest.
Dr. Sarah Zentner is a bibliophile and “hygge” enthusiast who delights in steaming mugs of tea, freshly baked pastries, the Little Way, and all things true, good, and beautiful. She holds a Ph.D. in English from the Catholic University of America and lives with her toy poodle, JoJo, in Washington, D.C., where she teaches literature at an all-girls Catholic secondary school.
Get Your Planner 📒
Be a Woman of the Word
Walk with Jesus
