FINDING QUIET

Keeping peace … but how when conflict arises at every center of our universe? Keeping still, staying quiet … but how in this world of noise and clatter in all corners? When I walk in the woods, how can I find quiet when an airplane or helicopter roars overhead? In my noisy office, how can I be still so I can think and reason an issue before me?

As I journey through this season of Lent to the glory of Easter morning, I am challenging myself to find stillness amidst the chaos, to be quiet as noise assaults my ears. When I walk in the woods, I will ask God to keep me quiet despite the intrusion of noise. I will ask God to quiet the chatter in my head so I don’t replay scenes of past moments, hours, and days. This will enable me to be at peace with God and feel His presence in my life. Only then can I listen to God’s direction for me and learn of His plans for me.

By keeping my mind and heart in a state of peace and quiet, I can rest in the safety of God’s care and absorb His love for me. He has given me only one mouth, and my goal during Lent is to keep my mouth quiet and open my two ears to hear His words as they come during quiet, prayerful moments.

Where can I find these moments? I can turn off the radio, television, and other electronic devices. It is much quieter in the car or house without the interference of digital and electronic devices. But more importantly, I can quiet my mouth, speaking when necessary but not incessantly. By doing this, my two ears will be open and receptive to hear the wisdom of God and those around me.

This Lenten season I will find times of quiet stillness, maybe only five minutes at a time. But it will be essential time to be still, to listen, to think. Perhaps you too can find quiet and still moments during Lent.

— Jane Wimmer

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist