I have days when I am quiet.

I have words that are battling to escape from my brain and my mouth, but I also have sense to do a “Delmar” and just remain quiet. For many years, my mom spoke for my dad, while he remained quiet. I am sure he had much to say, but he had the sense to keep the words inside.

The past few days have been a battle inside, and I am grateful for the sense to keep the words inside.

Yesterday, I drove all afternoon, and Saturday we drove all afternoon. Approximately 750 miles this past weekend. I like the feeling of road noise and peace as the miles go by. I sometimes imagine in my head as I drive, “No one in the world knows exactly where I am in this moment…” When we are driving at night and I sit in the passenger seat, I like to watch for houses with a lamp on, imagining the peaceful and quiet evening happening on the inside and wishing I was at home with an accent light and a sherpa throw draped over me.

I am grateful for good tires, a clean car, and a tank of gas.

I had the privilege of talking to my baby girl for over an hour on Saturday. I cannot remember the last time I had an hour long conversation with my baby girl. That makes me sad all at the same time I feel inexpressible joy that I had an hour long conversation with my baby girl.  I would love to have recorded the call, just so I could hear her voice over and over again.

I am grateful for a phone call that brought inexpressible joy.

As we were driving on Saturday, there were many, many miles of quiet awe. It was fascinating to explore a part of the country I knew nothing of – where roads were few and ranches were marked by brands. The only signs of life were the angus that dotted the landscape and the hawks that soared above us. In a previous form of myself, it would have caused tired eyes and a road nap. But now, I want to take it all in. I want to see and appreciate the beauty of the quiet, the inspiration of that which I do not know.

I am grateful for the figurative and literal road less traveled.

I have days when I am quiet.

It might be that my soul is anguished about something in particular. It might be that it is just a female rite of passage that causes emotions to be extra tender. It might be that there is a settling of acceptance of the way things are.

Or it might sometimes be that there is joy that is unspeakable.

I am grateful for quiet days, whatever may be the cause.

It is good to proclaim My Love in morning and My Faithfulness at night. Proclaiming this love is exceedingly good for you. When you declare the wonders of My Loving Presence, you are strengthened and encouraged. This glorious blessing flows into you more fully as you speak these words out loud. Let this delightful declaration fill you with joy inexpressible and full of glory!

Ponder some of the qualities of My Amazing Love: It is sacrificial, unfailing, priceless, boundless – reaching to the heavens. It shines so brightly that it can carry you through your darkest days. When you get to the end of each day, it is time to proclaim My Faithfulness that reaches to the skies. Look back over the day, and notice how I helped you navigate your way through it. The more difficulties you encountered, the more help I made available to you. It is good to give voice to My Great Faithfulness, especially at night, so that you can lie down and sleep in peace.  – From Sarah Young’s “Jesus Always,” February 4