Stillness doesn’t mean that your problems are already solved
and that you have nothing more to worry about.
Stillness doesn’t mean that you are already content
with everything that you have.
Stillness doesn’t mean that you have no regrets.
It doesn’t mean you no longer have questions
hanging at the back of your mind.

Stillness on the other hand, is that point
where you take a deep breath
to pause for a while,
and to find some rest,
amidst your days of toil.

Stillness is recognizing that you have your problems,
but worrying about them now
will do no further good.

Stillness is hoping to find your hopes again,
and to find answers
beyond those that didn’t work.

Stillness is opening up one’s heart
to find that deep silence within,
in that secure place
untouched by raging storms.

Stillness is a plea for help.
It is a hand surrendered in prayer.
Stillness is an invitation for mercy
so that one may find its way to peace.

We were once little children, full of hope, full of wonder for everything he sees.  Our lives were simple, yet pleasant.  We know very little, but we’re eager to learn much.  We’re small and weak, but we’re not afraid to try out new things.  Have we forgotten much of what we learned as a child?  What are the things we can re-learn from children?

1. Humility

A child knows and recognizes his weakness.  He is not afraid to admit them nor does he try to hide them.  He knows he has yet much to learn and so he seeks teachers who could teach him those things.  He knows too, that he cannot do many things.  He cannot reach high objects.  He cannot read books.  He doesn’t know how a certain toy works.  But he knows the people who could help him and he engages their help.  People are always more than willing to help him in his smallness, in his humility.  Have you become too proud to learn new things or to ask help from others?

2. Wonder

There is always a sense of wonder in a child.  For a child, all things are new because he has seen them for the first time.  How long was it since you have allowed yourself to be in awe of something beautiful or interesting? Do you still look forward to experiencing something and relieving that excitement of tasting things for the very first time?

3. Hope

Hope for a child isn’t something that’s far from reality.  When he hopes, he expects, he believes.  At times, he is almost certain.  For us grownups, we have to have many proofs before we allow ourselves to hope.  Many times, all that we allow ourselves to feel is fear.  We’re anxious even if we couldn’t see the basis for many of our fears.  Is it easier to be afraid than to hold on to your hopes?

4. Trust

It’s a wonderful feeling to have when a child trusts you.  You could tell him anything and he’s always willing to believe.  You could lead him anywhere and he’ll only hold you tighter if he ever feels a bit nervous.

Isn’t it hard to help someone who doesn’t trust you?

5. Purity

A child’s intention is pure.  That’s one reason why his prayers are powerful.  When a child wants something, he tells you right away.  He doesn’t resort to all sorts of hidden agenda.  When he is sad, he cries.  When you give him something to cheer him up, he smiles right away and forgets his grief.

How do you feel right now?  Could you still define what pure sadness is?  Could you still feel that kind of joy that makes you want to dance like a little child once again?

He's helping me now--this moment,
Though I may not see it or hear,
Perhaps by a friend far distant,
Perhaps by a stranger near,
Perhaps by a spoken message
Perhaps by the printed word;
In ways that I know and know not
I have the help of the Lord.
He's keeping me now--this moment,
However I need it most,
Perhaps by a single angel,
Perhaps by a mighty host,
Perhaps by the chain that frets me,
Or the walls that shut me in;
In ways that I know or know not
He keeps me from harm and sin.
He's guiding me now--this moment,
In pathways easy or hard,
Perhaps by a door wide open,
Perhaps by a door fast barred,
Perhaps by a joy withholden
Perhaps by a gladness given;
In ways that I know and know not,
He's leading me up to heaven.
He's using me now--this moment,
And whether I go or stand,
Perhaps by a plan accomplished
Perhaps when he stays my hand,
Perhaps by a word in season
Perhaps by a silent prayer;
In ways that I know and know not,
His labor of love I share.
--Annie Johnson Flint