In order that you do not miss my word, I want you to designate a special time each day when you quiet your mind, turn your attention toward the center of your consciousness, and listen.  Listen through the thoughts that flood into your mind.  Listen through the static, through the distractions, through flights of fantasy until you come to the center.  In the silence at the center I speak.  Listen for me.

I stand at the door.  Give me your attention.

– Ben Johnson, I Stand at the Door, CTS Press, 1986, 4-5.

They left the crowd and took him in the boat just as he was. Other boats followed along. 

Gale-force winds arose, and waves crashed against the boat so that the boat was swamped.  But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow. They woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re drowning?” 

He got up and gave orders to the wind, and he said to the lake, “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down and there was a great calm.  Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?” 

Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!” 

Mark 4:36-41

Intentionally set aside some time today and experiment with the listening and mindfulness excersize Johnson describes.  Maybe your mind feels a bit like those stormy waters the disciples experienced – trust Christ’s power to calm them and listen for what Jesus might have to say to you once you find yourself with him on those calm waters – once you find yourself at the center.

Lord Jesus,
Help me to not be afraid as I navigate the stormy waters of my life.
Help me to trust that you are in the boat with me.
Help me to trust your power to calm the waters
and show me the way.
Lord, I long to know you more.
Remove any obstacle within or without that is keeping me
from setting time aside for you each day.
AMEN