Daily Devotion

by Molly Kavanaugh

by Molly Kavanaugh

Be still and know that I am God.  Psalm 46

One high point for me in 2020 was spending a weeklong silent retreat at the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford. I’d wanted to attend such a retreat for several years but thought it would be impossible to remain quiet for seven days. Actually, it was pretty easy, except at mealtime – seats facing a window were in high demand. 

With the encouragement of my spiritual director (whom I did talk to daily), I also quieted my eyes. I turned off my devices. which was hard given that the presidential election was a month away, and kept most of the books I brought closed.

“God knows you and God loves you, Molly. Let God direct your steps,” my spiritual director told me. And He did. A solo week walking along the Little Miami River and at the nearby Cincinnati Nature Center, autumn colors in full array, the song “Here I Am, Lord” playing over and over on my smartphone, no chores or “what’s for dinner?” concerns, I connected with God in a very real way.

But back in the “real” world, I often struggle to create and maintain a silent path to God’s presence. Even when the house is quiet and I am sitting in my personal devotional space, my mind can so easily go into full chatter mode as I replay or rehearse conversations and interactions. Sometimes I turn to meditation, walking and poetry to create silent space, but progress is low.  

Still, my desire is strong, so I keep at it.  

I’ve been taking a Zoom class sponsored by a Quaker-based organization and we begin with a moment of silence. Nothing grand, but the practice is grounding. Maybe God is just asking for more of my moments. I sometimes have vivid daydreams and sleep dreams. Maybe God is nudging me to imagine more about him and eternal life. I begin and end my day with my head lying on a pillow. Maybe God wants me to bookend my day by visualizing my head cupped in his hands. 

I realize God is always trying to connect with me and will use nature, Scripture, art, music, ritual, movement, imagination, breath, other people, my dog and well, fill in the blank, just about anything to get my attention. All God asks is that I do my part. 

3 comments on article "Daily Devotion"

Pam Olson

That hunt for space and time to allow the still, small voice to penetrate the noise is difficult. Thank you for sharing this message and may stillness seek you out.

2/24/2021 9:50 AM

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Danelle Buelsing

Molly, I admire your journey. You have gone to great lengths to connect with God in the stillness.

2/24/2021 9:58 AM

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Kellie Grabenbauer

"Visualizing my head cupped in his hands" I love this picture and know I'll think of it as my head hits the pillow this week!

2/24/2021 6:14 PM

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