the gifts of quiet
Steven and I are home from a three-week RV trip. Much of that time was spent driving.
When we travel, we have a list of things to pass the time. At the beginning of the trip, we usually talk and just catch-up after all the busyness of getting ready. We also often listen to music - he picks classic country, I pick 80s hits - or we listen to our newest audiobook download.
After awhile, as the day and the road stretch out long before us, we ride in companionable quiet.
It can be somewhat difficult to hear in the motorhome with the noise of the road and the rattling of the back. (It IS a house on wheels!) Quiet gives our ears a rest and our minds a chance to wander a bit.
How do you feel about quiet?
Through the years, monastics have found great value in silence. And I wonder if they’re on to something.
Our world is nothing if not loud. We are encouraged to make our voice heard. The loudest demanding wins.
But could there be an alternative power in quiet?
James admonishes us to be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. (1:19)
Of course, I’m not speaking of quiet in terms of giving someone punishment with the silent treatment. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I would argue that soul-enriching quiet can be life-giving.
This is peace-filled quiet. Calming stillness. Serenity.
Silence for silence’s sake.
Taking a quiet moment can calm our nervous energy. We can breathe slowly and deeply.
Awareness dawns as we suddenly notice all that our senses are taking in: the smell of fresh-cut grass, the whispered fluttering of a butterfly’s wings, the complex intricacies of a lily.
Our thoughts settle.
We may sense the Spirit speaking to us.
We feel gratitude for these moments.
In short, quiet can be powerful for our inner being.
So if you’re like me and feeling that there’s just too much noise and hurry in your world, try spending five minutes in silence for each of the next seven days and notice the benefits.
Are you more calm?
Are your reactions more gentle?
Are you noticing beauty around you?
Can you recognize the Spirit’s work?
Are you moved to gratitude?
Enjoy these…
the gifts of quiet.
Today is a GOOD day!
~ Natalie