It has been pointed out to me numerous times in recent months that I think a lot, most likely too much. I suppose, to be fair to myself, perhaps I don’t think a lot more than most people, but being an extrovert means that people get to hear my thoughts more often than they might choose.

However, I am realizing lately, whether thoughts are spoken or written or kept to myself, my brain seems to lack an off switch. I have lost count of the nights I have slept far less than I wanted because my mind wouldn’t stop running from one thing to the next or retracing the same track over and over.

It seems lately there has been an abundance of things for my mind to run back and forth between: a book launch, singing gigs, feeding people, visa renewal paperwork, teaching preparation, resurfacing grief, leading worship, finances, communication, and more.

I am recognizing once again, while I like surprises and spontaneous adventures into the unknown, I am a planner. I’m pretty flexible with throwing plans out the window when the situation calls for it and can go with the flow fairly easily, but I’m discovering just how much I like to have a plan to throw out the window.

Even as I’m writing this, my mind is throwing in random thoughts about what I should share at the book launch on Saturday, reminding me I haven’t practiced this song or written that email, and trying to figure out what I’ll make for dinner before I have to leave for a meeting this evening.

In the midst of all of this, I came across this song today. It’s in a playlist I’ve listened to a number of times; I’ve heard the song before, but I hadn’t really heard it until this morning.

I have told people on numerous occasions that I prefer the NASB translation of Psalm 46:10. Instead of “Be still and know…” it says “Cease striving and know that I am God…” I still like the idea of “cease striving”, but in the midst of the craziness going on in my head, the words “be still” hit me today. The fact that they were followed so closely by “stop thinking so much” struck me even more.

I’m not very good at being still. My friends are absolutely right; I think a lot! I need to learn to just let go and know that God’s got it covered.

Does that mean I have to stop planning? Nope. I’m grateful I had the foresight to bake 40 mini cakes and make fudge last week so I don’t have to do it now. I will still do my best to be prepared for every singing gig, teaching, and other event where I’m given the opportunity to serve.

But I will also do my best to leave the weight of those plans in their proper place, to find the mental off button, to sleep, to be still.