But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul within me is like a weaned child. (Psalm 131:2)

Good parenting aims to prepare the child for a fulfilling life that is not dependent on the parent. The process of weaning the child is very much about separating. Yet the separating will proceed more quickly and more easily if the child feels assured of a continuing emotional connection. The more loved the child feels, the more easily the child is weaned.

Scripture and experience suggest it is God's will for all of creation to have free will. Our freedom can, however, be enriched through a deepening relationship with God. It is interesting that the psalmist has emphasized that calming and quieting the soul is an act of individual will. Anxiety, agitation, and anger are expressions of the self that exclude others.

By calming and quieting ourselves we open ourselves to accepting the love of others - including the love of God. Through calm and quiet we are also better able to love others.