A highly unusual experience has occurred. For the last several days, I’ve been sick. I think it’s a twenty-four-hour bug that has overstayed its welcome.
The fact of being forced into isolation is profound as I purposely keep my germs to myself. Electronic devices of all kinds help to entertain me, but they fall short of human contact.Thank goodness, this condition is not permanent.
Why not take advantage of this halt to my usual schedule and interactions to experience another rare commodity: silence and solitude? At my condo, only in the wee hours of the morning is the neighborhood quiet without intermittent sirens and traffic noises. Within my home, I often choose to listen to Christian radio, or watch Netflix dramas.
However, when I want to focus clearly on reading or writing, silence and solitude is best. I haven’t yet learned how to listen, just listen, waiting to hear what God is saying to me. He does speak, however, through scripture, a sermon, a comment by a friend, or a devotion. Sometimes He connects ideas or repeats them in various realms.
I think our world exceeds its noise level on most occasions. I’ve noticed the peace that comes from a walk in the country or some other quiet area. That peace is needed to think clearly, gain wisdom and know God’s presence which the natural setting helps provide.
My widowhood helps me to appreciate these qualities as well. Reading aloud makes the words come alive, especially the Bible. Out loud prayer also creates an intimacy with my Savior as we talk things over. I feel blessed to have an opportunity to relate to Him in an atmosphere that promotes our communication.
Perhaps when I’m well, I will remember the joy of silence and solitude and manage to schedule more of it for my spiritual and mental health’s sake.
Dianna
Sharing the Fruit of Maturity
