10 Things to Bring Peace, Joy, and Silence in the Midst of One of "Those" Weeks

Ever had one of those weeks?

Yeah, me, too.

In fact, I sometimes believe I have more of those weeks at work than I would want in my work life. And yet, the Lord does seem to allow these weeks. What is a girl to do?

After I got home today from picking up the 4^th baby girl from daycare, started supper, made sure homework was done, and texted my husband, my 1^st baby girl (19 years old) called to request dinner be delivered to her place of employment, since she was working late. I stared at my phone for a moment, calmed my interior attitude, and responded that I would definitely bring her dinner.

It was the LAST thing I wanted to do.

It was a CHORE in my mind.

It was a MENIAL MOMENT of MOMMYHOOD!

But the Lord would not allow ranting. The Lord wanted to show me BEAUTY tonight. He wanted to assure me that although work had me in an exterior tailspin, and there were many tasks to finish this afternoon and evening, my interior soul could remain at peace – in the knowledge that Jesus Christ Himself is in the lead on the journey of faith.

I entered my car, at first tense; but something told me to open the windows of my car. It wasn’t particularly cold, so I did. I also turned off the radio.

What I experienced was a rush of peace. It was a beautiful night, and my first thought was, “We serve an awesome God who cares about the most minute of details.” My soul was immediately consoled by the beauty all around, and I knew in my heart that Our Lord was speaking to me in the silence of my soul.

What I experienced was the peaceful sound of night. The chirping of the crickets (do crickets chirp? I think they do!). The smell of the nighttime air. The twinkling of the stars. The extreme peace that accompanies silence.

I arrived at the Church where my daughter works…and there, I found peace and comfort in my soul – where I was still open to hearing the Lord’s voice. I was able to visit with incredible Catholic women who were teaching catechism. These are Catholic girlfriends who walk journeys of faith with one another. I was amazed that the Lord was illustrating how blessed life can be, when we turn to Him and His Holy Will.

Pondering this, I realized that for the past many years, I’ve witnessed individuals, myself included, look for the BIG things in life in regards to God, to my work, to my marriage, from my children, in life in general. Tonight was a big lesson in what St. Therese reminds us are the “little things.” I am reminded that the “little” souls, the “littleness” of life…the “ordinary.” This is where we can meet the Lord. He speaks to us in the silence:

“Then the Lord said, “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord – but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake – but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire – but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, “Elijah are you here?”

On the way home, I began to think of all the peaceful quiet things or beautiful things that the Lord gives us opportunities for, or unique talents towards. I began making a list in my mind of all the things I’ve taken for granted over the last several years, and how those are the very things that have brought me peace and holiness. As a working Catholic momma, I get overwhelmed with the “job” at hand, and sometimes forget the peace of silence or of beauty and how that assists me to have an interior silence and listening ear toward Jesus and His Sacred Heart.

Here are 10 Things to Do that Bring Peace, Joy, and Silence. Add to this list, make recommendations. Enjoy being a working Catholic momma, finding daily moments of peace, silence, and joy in your vocation. The moments exist, if only we listen for the still small voice.

1. Listen to classical music.

I’m doing that right now. Beethoven is AWESOME, and very relaxing. The more I listen, the more the stress leaves my body!

2. Take a walk at night…with your honey…holding hands…looking at the stars.

Say nothing; just enjoy one another in the walk. Pray for your spouse as you walk, thanking the Lord for the gift of marriage and all that comes with the gift.

3. Jump on a trampoline with your children.

I was able to do this Saturday with my 7 year old. What seems like it would be chaotic…was actually relaxing and BEAUTIFUL! It was time well spent with Elie, and I was able to reflect on the gift of motherhood.

4. Journal!

Write down your thoughts about the day. Take a moment to write a letter to the Lord about all you are grateful for in that day. Use it as a prayer.

5. Pray your Rosary.

Self-explanatory!

6. Take a walk in a cemetery.

I often do this to visit my mother’s grave. I am reminded each time that not one of these individuals buried in the cemetery would wish for more work hours – they would wish for more time with family, more focus on the important things, more understanding of God’s Holy Will in their lives.

7. Develop a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

This devotion moves you to a place of interior silence and recollection. EVEN IN THE CHAOS OF A WORK DAY! It is a beautiful devotion.

8. Eucharistic Adoration.

Even 15 minutes in front of the Blessed Sacrament calms my soul, and invigorates my zeal for the peace that Jesus promises.

9. Forgive in the work place.

So many times in the work place, we hold on to bitter emotions; we dig our heels in; we believe that we are right – no matter the cost. Many times that cost is our own interior peace. Forgive.

10. Coffee with Catholic girlfriends that walk the same journey.

As women, this one speaks to who we are as receptive, empathetic, and nurturing mommas (physical and/or spiritual). After a session with my girls, I am rejuvenated. My soul is stirred…but in a way that brings me to Scripture, to the truth of the faith, to the silence in my soul to hear Jesus.

BONUS: Find a retreat!!

We can all use a good retreat. I enjoy directed retreats, where a spiritual director really helps me to find the silence, and guides me toward Scripture and Saints that help me on my road to holiness.

My prayer for you is that you find peace and joy, through silence, in order to hear Our Lord’s sweet voice.