O Lord, the Scripture says, “There is a time for silence and a time for speech.” Savior, teach me the silence of humility, the silence of wisdom, the silence of love, the silence of perfection, the silence that speaks without words, the silence of faith. Lord, teach me to silence my own heart that I may listen to the gentle movement of the Holy Spirit within me and sense the depths which are of God. Amen. – Unknown Source 16th Century as stated in Skye Jethani’s Daily Devotion week of June 24, 2019

Our friend, Skye Jethani posed some thoughts involving silence in our lives today. You have to admit there is not much true “silence” in our lives. Besides the normal, cannot be avoided sounds of living, like footsteps, birds singing, people coughing and doors opening and closing there are all of those other sounds we choose. The TV or the radio accompanies our time of getting ready for the day. Our ear buds provide our music or podcast of choice while we walk, run or do our daily chores. And then there is that voice, you know, the one in your head that will just not be quiet. You should be doing this or that. You should be taller, shorter, stronger, quieter, smarter and the list goes on. 

When we dare to enter a quiet space, we dare to enter into reality. Taking away those noisy distractions allows us to not only hear but see what is really going on. We could all use a little more of that. 

Social media paints pictures that can discourage the best of us on any given day. However, our God loves us on every given day. When we can pause, get quiet and realize that the God of the universe loves us and chooses to have relationship with us we should be silenced, amazed, and totally humbled.  

As I think through all of this I remembered a conversation I had with my sister-in-law a few weeks ago. She is a recent widow and learning to live alone. However, she spent a weekend with friends shortly before we talked. She said while she enjoyed the trip she felt like everyone thought they had to be talking the whole time. As she rode home with a couple that she knows she observed it is only those you know well and are most comfortable with that you can be quiet together. She recalled sitting with my brother many weekend mornings drinking coffee on their back patio with no ongoing conversation. She and my brother were there together enjoying the morning without the need for constant talk or busyness. She misses that. They knew each other well enough to be able to enjoy it in silence. No need to prove or be anything.

 As I sit here on my deck by myself with only the birds making noise, I get it. We all need quiet times to realize who we are and what we have. In other words, quiet can give us perspective. When I get quiet and really take in the beauty of the various colors of green, variety of trees and flowers with the blue and white expanse of the sky as far as I can see I am reminded that I am loved by our Creator God. God, who came to set us free. When I realize this it is much, much easier to surrender to His will and live in peace. I suggest you take some time to get quiet with God today. It can bring peace to your soul.