The world seems to be getting faster, gaining speed and requiring so much more of us than it once did. It can be easy to be swallowed by this race and before you know it, you've passed the week by with but a few short hours to look ahead at the next (if your lucky). Because I've been a military wife, I've often spent a great deal of time alone. One might call that sad, and I wouldn't argue. It is sad to be separated from those you love. But, what they don't see is the gift of stillness that can come with that alone time. The stillness of the night, when the chores are done and kids have fallen asleep and all thats left is you. Stillness is something our world no longer encourages (late night television ruined that). And yet, within the stillness I believe is when we best learn the truth of ourselves. Its at these times where we've completely disconnected from the spinning of activities, relationships, chores, etc. that we truly are able to focus on what our present presents, our past has taught us and our future holds. Here, we find peace and rejuvenation in the quiet of the moment.It doesn't tamper the loneliness of separation, it doesn't scatter the fear and it doesn't lessen the load. But, the stillness of being completely alone often is the opportunity to find what Jesus did when He withdrew to pray. (Luke 5:16) Constantly throughout the gospels we see that Jesus would remove himself from people, daily activities and the demands of His ministry to be in the stillness; completely alone with the Lord.Jesus began his ministry this way, made important decisions, dealt with troubling emotions or constant demands and cared for Himself in the stillness. This is even how he prepared for His death on the cross. People often wonder at how I'm able to constantly deal with the demands of a traveling spouse. It isn't easy, and trust me there are days where I loose myself in the stress of being alone. But, I've grown accustomed to the lifestyle (as best one can do) and find that when my day ends and I think all I have left is the stillness, I remember that it is there, in the solitude where I can find the Lord more intimately. It is there I can get off the spinning merry go round and take the time to just be with Him. I believe we each find that stillness in different ways, rising early, retreating to the wilderness or quietly working on a masterpiece. May each of you find that stillness in your own life to be as satisfying for your soul. Blessings!