Lord, my heart is not lifted up, Nor my eyes lofty.

Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me.

Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever. [Psalm 131:1-3]

It is not uncommon to think that worship requires me to accomplish something. We believe that God’s presence is a trade for our piety, and so when we think we are unworthy, we do not dare his presence.

The only thing God requires of us is our presence. If we had to earn our way “in”, we would never be good enough. My attire or piety makes little difference to a God who can see my every flaw.

Forget trying to impress God. Be impressed by him. Stand, sit, kneel and lay down in awe of his presence.

Here I am, God. It is the end of the week of thinking about pausing. Tomorrow is tomorrow; and yesterday is yesterday. Today, I am here to reflect on what I’ve heard or haven’t heard from you. I want the silence, but it will take a lot of changes in my thinking, my values, and my world. Point me to the things I can live without so I can journey with you – something I really cannot live without.