Tuesday, December 12, 2023

 ‘Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.’
   The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.  Psalm 46: 10-11

Illustrated by Adeline Bayer, age 12

I grew up a Daddy’s girl.  From a very young age right by his side was where I wanted to be.  He affectionately referred to me as his little sidekick and I loved it. If he had an errand to run and wanted some company, I was the first to jump at the chance of going with him.  We went on many of those outings together and they are some of my favorite memories of my Dad.  I absolutely loved having him all to myself.  In a house full of four children alone time with either parent was a treasure.  One of the things I loved most about these car rides was that they were often quiet with no music playing.  Sometimes we would talk but other times we would just ride together in contented silence.  My Dad loved the quiet and with him I loved it too.  Our home was often noisy with so many people, and although I was a fair contributor with my talkative ways, when it was just me and my Dad I was perfectly ok with the quiet.  I enjoyed the reprieve from the chaos as much as he did.

Another favorite memory of quiet time spent with my Dad was on summer beach trips. There was constant activity and playing on these trips with my sisters and cousins.  It was always so much fun.  But at the end of the day, once the sun had gone down, and while children were still bouncing off the walls indoors, my dad would sneak out to the porch.  He would sit quietly in the dark marveling at the stars and listening to the sound of the ocean. I of course often was the first to notice that he had disappeared and would go to find him. I would then gladly sit by his side in the quiet as we both stared mesmerized by the brightness of the stars and the peaceful sound of the ocean waves.

I still love the quiet and I am so grateful for a father who helped me learn to appreciate its value.  As I grieve it is in the quiet moments that I still feel my heart tethered to his.

O God, help us amid the chaos that life often brings, especially this time of year, to find moments to be still and quiet.  Moments to feel you present with us in whatever joy or sorrow each day might bring.  Help us to be still and know that you are God, and that we are your beloved children.  Amen

Dr. Whitney Bayer, SMPC Associate Pastor

If you are experiencing grief or loss of any kind this Advent season, we invite you to join us for SMPC’s The Longest Night Service to find solace and hope.  Tuesday, December 19, 5:30 pm, Sanctuary and Livestream.

Subscribe to our Advent Devotionals to receive them daily in your inbox!