silence

Silence is a concept I struggle with. I'm not a silent person by nature. I speak what I feel. Often times without thinking first. Silence is also something I do not experience often. I have 6 kids at home. Silence does not come easy in this house. There is always someone making noise of some kind...always! I woke up at 6:00 am today. You would think with school age children they would want to sleep in on a Saturday morning. I thought I'd sneak downstairs, make a cup of tea and read...in silence. 

That. Did. Not. Happen.

One of my children who I often have to wake up on school mornings was already awake not only making noise but also making a mess. I used this as another opportunity to remind myself,

"My children are a blessing from God!

My children are a blessing from God!

My children are a

blessing from God!"

And then thought,

"why can I not get a moment of silence around here?!?"

Instead of losing my mind I asked myself the question, "What exactly is silence?" dictionary.com defines it as 1) absence of any sound or noise; stillness. In our world is it possible to truly have an absence of any sound or noise? Does this include the noise in our heads? I don't think it is possible.
However, I do believe its possible to experience "stillness", a stillness that isn't defined as a lack of movement but a stillness of our hearts and souls. A stillness that comes from resting in Jesus.

 Psalm 46:10, "He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;"

In our society it's hard to be still, we are constantly going, doing. We can connect with anyone via e-mail, Skype and social media at any time of the day. All of this connection often gets in the way of us connecting with the One we should the most!

How is it possible to be still with so much going on around us? I love the way the Message Bible puts this scripture,

"Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God!"

Isn't it time we step out of the traffic? Isn't it time to be still?

In what ways do you experience stillness in the midst of the traffic? Is there a silence for you even among the din of life?

If not, what can you do this week to "step out of the traffic"?

Silence may be golden but stillness should be cherished.

Lord Jesus,

Silence may not be possible in this house.

But I pray for the stillness

that only comes from You

to be discovered by all in our home.

Amen!

p.s.

God,

I'd be OK if You

wanted to send

a little silence too!!!