Each day I rise before the sun, basking in the stillness of our home. I pray. I meditate. I stretch out. Then I listen. I listen for the silence that graces my ears, before my young family awakens and our day begins as a family.

It is in those moments that it is clear to me who I am. My purpose and passion run free and I use this silent retreat to order my thoughts and plans for the dawning day. Without these centering, reflective moments, I don’t know where I would be. I’d probably lose myself under a pile of unfolded laundry. Or maybe remain defeated on the ground after slipping on whatever mess that was I just stepped in.

But grace and sweet silence help me through.