¹¹ to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business,^[a] and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you. (1 Thessalonians 4:11 CSB)

Life, for most of us, is anything but quiet. Everything clamors for our attention and we spend much of our time seemingly chasing the wind.

I have been making more of a point in past years to live a quieter life. I make room for silence and do my best to especially make room for God. I have found in doing so I move through this life easier than I had previously. I intentionally keep my expectations of others low and my expectations of myself high. I spend more time speaking with God throughout my day and feel more peace.

Maybe too this is part of getting older. I do not have, or maybe do not allow, all of the seemingly important distractions of youth to get in my way. It has become easier to focus on singular activities and be more present in the moment.

Depending upon your age and your current phase of life this may be difficult. Having a young family and young children typically makes for a hectic life and a lot of noise.

A demanding job too can create a life of chaotic activity, running from meeting to meeting and trying to make deadlines.

The key to all of this is to breathe. Take moments, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let the Spirit speak into the quite place.