TITLE: Is Silence Golden? By LaDonna Fridenmaker 11/01/04 |
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A strange reality was shown to me last night.
I don't like silence.
For some unexplained reason we had a power outage. It lasted around two hours, not long, but no power nonetheless.
At first I welcomed it. I didn't have to run around tending to dirty dishes and piles of laundry. No phone calls to make, because the phone needed power.
As soon as the lights went out I grabbed my fire stick and lite the candles. The house glowed with a warm, dim light. I fixed snacks for everyone and we settled down to view pictures of my oldest son's summer trip via his laptop. It was so nice. Then my husband prayed and off to bed all went.
In my bedroom I could hear everything, like dogs barking, doors closing, my boys talking. All these little noises now became a roar. The silence amplified them. I don't like little noises. They irritate me. Usually when I go to bed I hear the washer, dryer, the dishwasher and my dear friend - the fan. All I usually hear is the hum of my fan. It drowns out all those little irritating noises.
Tonight I have no interference. All I hear is clean, clear, loud little noises admist the silence.
The silence demands my attention. I have no choice but to listen.
This causes me to think about my time with God. He has reasons for saying, "go to your closet and pray". For in the closet it is quiet with no distractions. The only little noise is the still small voice of the Holy Spirit and the beating of my heart. I've learned that I don't like the silence, because it forces me to listen.
My Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for allowing all the loud noises to drown you out. Help me to take time to listen in the silence to your still small voice.
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