Oftentimes, our life is so busy that it is hard to find a silent time for reflection. Do we meditate in silence in our bed at night, or smell the sweet fragrant moments in a garden in the day? When was the last time that we clear a space in our busy schedule for a long silent time? Can we neglect the necessities of life to be silent before Him, our creator?
Our body needs quiet too. Constant noise can wears us down both physically and mentally. Silence allows us to slow down, allowing our body to relax from the stress of our daily tasks. We were constantly bombarded daily with noise. We usually swim in the sea of sound and distractions. Television usually absorbs our attention whenever we come home, radio on our way to work, and then phones, meetings, faxes, and work schedules at our offices. The question then is this, when do we hear from Him? Is our day too crowded to spend time with Him?
Silence is a nutrient for the spirit. God wants to speak to us in the silence of our heart. In the familiar story in the holy book about Martha and Mary; Martha was concerned with the tasks of hospitality while Mary was drinking in His words. Mary was honored for doing the better part, sitting at His feet listening to Him.
We all need to set quiet time for prayer and meditations. We need time to gather together our thoughts and sort out our priorities for each day. His mercies are renewed every morning for those who seek him. Setting half-hour early morning quiet time with Him alone, taking ten minutes in the middle of the day for silent reflection, taking a walk in a quiet environment, park or garden and turning off our car stereo off and driving in silence are some of the remedies of things to do. This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands. Mother Teresa once said, ”God is the friend of the silence. See how nature-trees, flowers, grass grow in silence? The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life”
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out of your daily tasks? In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. If you have ears, pay attention!
Be still, and know that I am God– Ps. 46:10
