The Gift of Silence
As the spring turns toward summer, I have begun to notice an interesting seasonal change in my habits. It is simply this: I live with more silence. Gardening is a solitary, quiet task for me, as is bike riding. I sit out on the porch these days, and have found myself driving with the windows down and the CD player off. The beach, with its opportunities for walking, swimming, and watching sunsets, will be a regular destination for me in the months ahead.
During the indoor months, much of what I do is done to the background noise of a TV or radio. But when I am outside, I leave the music behind (no iPod for me!). When I am outdoors, the sounds of nature give my mind permission to slow down, ponder, and explore. As the season warms and I quiet my life, I can once again hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit that surrounds me.
Holy Spirit, come to me;
open my eyes to you.
Holy Spirit; come to me;
open my eyes to you.
Holy Spirit, Come to Me by Julie Hoy reminds me I need that I need to be more open to God's Spirit in my own life. I need to not only open my eyes (and ears), but also invite God in.
As Psalm 23 promises,
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
The stillness and silence of the outdoors have restored a measure of my soul.
The gift of silence is that it gives God the time and space to speak to our hearts. How can you give God this time? As you are mowing the lawn (noisy — but internally quieting), riding a bike, walking, gardening, sitting the shade of a tree or at the edge of a lake, or doing other summer-time activities, will you open your ears to listen to God?
Like a gentle wave, God's presence can wash over us. Within the sacred silences of our lives, we open ourselves up to this gift of presence. Will you accept this gift?
Let us pray. . .
Help me to listen . . .
Help me to hear . . .
Be with me . . .
Speak to me . . .
Fill me with your presence . . .
Related Link:
Speaking of Silence: Beyond Words and Into Great Silence, by Thomas Ryan, CSP, Bustedhalo.com
Spirit Compass reflections are developed in partnership
with the Center for Ministry Development.