Choosing Calm Waters in a Busy World

There’s something my husband and I have come to treasure more and more over the years—quiet days on the lake. When the weather cooperates, we love to take the boat out on the water, especially when it’s calm and still. On those days, the surface looks like glass, reflecting the sky so perfectly it almost feels like you’re floating between two worlds. We’ll find a little sandy spot to pull up for a picnic, and Marley happily explores every inch like it’s her personal playground. But it didn’t always feel this peaceful.

In the beginning, we would head out on weekends, thinking that was the best time. What we quickly learned is that Saturdays and Sundays bring a different kind of energy. Boats and jet skis fill the lake, and before long, the smooth water turns choppy. Waves from every direction rock the boat, and what should be relaxing becomes a bit stressful and exhausting. So we made a simple change—we started going during the week, and everything changed.

The water is calmer. The noise fades. The whole experience becomes more peaceful, more intentional, more enjoyable. And somewhere along the way, it hit me, isn’t life a lot like that?

When we fill our lives with constant noise, busyness, and the pull of everything around us, our hearts can start to feel like that choppy water—unsettled, restless, and hard to navigate. We get tossed around by stress, expectations, and distractions.

But when we’re intentional about stepping away—even just a little—we create space for calm. Space to breathe. Space to think. Space to hear God more clearly, oftentimes even to worship.

It doesn’t always require a big life change. Sometimes, it’s as simple as choosing a different rhythm–a quieter moment–a slower pace.

Because just like the lake, the peace is still there—it’s just easier to experience when we step out of the chaos. Maybe today is a good day to choose calm waters.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds…” (Philippians 4:7)

April 22, 2026 Morning Brew

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