How long must I stay in the quiet?

“Ok, time for bed Cindy. Get under those covers now.” “Mommy, why did Tommy’s mom say that Sarah and Ryan will never change? She said they have no conscience or an ounce of love in their hearts? What does that mean?”

“Honey, you know what Sarah and Ryan did was not right. Why do you think they did it?” “I don’t know. I guess they weren’t thinking very good.” “Well sweetheart, let’s pray that they will one day learn from their mistakes. We must know the rules of good behavior. If we have good morals and values then we can work together so that no one intentionally gets hurt."

"Sometimes listening to our friends and not our hearts can get us into trouble. That’s why you hear people say ‘think before you act.’” “I know when my friend is talking to me, but how will I know when my heart is talking to me,” Cindy innocently asked. “Your heart will ache when you think about doing something wrong and it will rejoice when you have a pleasing thought.”

“I don’t want my heart to ache. How can I stop it from aching,” she asked with great concern. “You can stop your heart from aching by not being afraid to follow the good voice within you.” “Is there really a person with a voice inside me? Does he have a name,” Cindy asked more curiously now.

“There is a voice and it has two names. One is filled with goodness and more powerful than the other. If you ask some they may say that one voice is ‘your conscience’. However, you will never see it, it is often ignored, and we don’t always trust or like it. Some claim to not have one. They know it does not have many friends and it is not well liked most of the time.”

“What is the other voice’s name”, Cindy asked with much interest. “The other voice’s name is very popular and above all other names. People say it everyday without realizing it. Sadly many do not know nor listen to it.” “Is he the good voice?” “Oh yes. His is the good voice. When you listen to Him you will never go wrong. You will always want do the right thing. You will choose good friends. You will always be loved by Him. And when there is trouble He will not leave you.”

“If his is the good voice, then why wouldn’t more people listen to him?” “They haven’t taken the time to get to know Him. ” “Is that all it takes is time,” Cindy asked poignantly. “Yes, that’s all it takes is time. If people stopped from what they are doing, they could go to a quiet place and hear Him at any minute of any day.”

Cindy’s eyes lit up, “I want to hear Him so that I can know Him and be loved. Take me there!” “I can show you the way, but if you want to keep Him in your life it is something I cannot do for you. But you can visit and talk to Him as much as you want.” Cindy smiled and sat up tall ready to go.

“Press the palms of your hands together and place them carefully in front of your heart. Now close your eyes until the world is quiet. It is then that you will hear the “good voice.” You can ask Him questions and if you really listen He will answer you. It pleases Him when you say “thank you” for all the good things in your life. With Him you will learn to smile often. Your heart will jump with delight at the sound of His name because you know Him. He seems to know how to make everything better.”

“How long must I stay in the quiet,” Cindy whispered wanting to do things just right. “It is not the amount of time that you spend there that you should concern yourself with. What’s important is that you trust His voice and will visit and praise Him often.” “How will I know if it is the good voice I’m listening to? What is His name?” “His name is known all over the world. He is the one that created us. When you believe in Him, He will make himself known to you. His name is “God.”

“I know about God. He’s in heaven. Why are you saying he’s inside of me?” “Because God gave everyone His spirit to guide and protect us. It is up to us to get to know Him. Now, more questions tonight honey. Right now, it’s time for you to rest."

"Close your eyes my little angel, and go visit God. He has great plans for you and He wants to talk to you about them. Sweet dreams my little one!”

“Mommy?” “Yes Cindy.” “Can I ask God to change Sarah and Ryan? Maybe they are missing God in their lives.” “I think that’s a great idea baby. Go to sleep now. Good night.” “Good night mommy,” Cindy said with excitement. “Be sure you go and talk to God about his great plans for you and maybe you know someone you can pray for too!”

Standing outside Cindy's bedroom door, her Mommy leaned against the wall, closed her eyes, pressed her palms together carefully in front of her heart, and stood until the world was quiet. With a tear of joy that fell down her cheek she gave praise to God, “Thank you Lord, you did it again. You just answered my prayer.”

Inspired by Jeremiah 18:1-6

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me: "Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done?" says the LORD. "Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel."