Finding the Silence

In today's busy world it seems like there is never any silence. From the time I get up in the morning until I lay down at night, there is a constant buzz of noise. From the kids fighting over whose toast is ready to the incessant ringing of the phone at work. When we look at our lives it seems that this is the one thing we can't get enough of.

When I find myself in silence, I am overcome with an irresistible urge to make some noise. The background noise has overtaken my life. From the music on the radio at work to the whir of the fan as I lay fast asleep....(I actually do this).

Ask a group to pause for a moment of silence during a reflection and if the pause is too long, you'll open your eyes to see them staring at you to see if you're still alive. It's true! People are very uncomfortable in silence. We are so used to all the background noises of the world that it just becomes part of our lives. I can't count the times I've walked into the Family Room to find the T.V. blaring and no one around. This all stems from the discomfort in silence.

Over the years I've tried to make time for silence in my life. It's a bit uncomfortable at first, I'll admit. I took it in baby steps - leaving the radio off during a short drive to the mall and later taking times in the day to just 'shut-out' the noise buzz. When I sit absolutely still and in complete silence I then feel like I am actually sitting with God. I found that after I've done this for awhile I crave it. There is no better stress reliever than just 'stopping' and being with God.

I am a knitter and a lot of the time I like to get up early in the morning when the whole house is still asleep. As I sit there knitting and purling I allow myself to be completely quiet and be with God. If I have a concern I can share it at this time or if I have something to be thankful for I will take this time to allow God to hear what is in my heart. But mostly it's just a time to be with God. There are no need for words as who knows my most inner most thoughts better than God himself. The best way to hear God is to enter into this sacred silence.

Often I find that during the day I just need to be with God. A great way I've found this is to go to Sacred Space. It's a Jesuit run website that allows you to take a moment out of your hectic work day and take some time for prayer.

Jesus teaching the value of solitude,
You reserved many moments to reflect.
You often diparted for solitary places,
Withdrawing yourself into the wilderness,
Or going up a mountain to pray.
In loneliness, you spoke to the Father.
Teach me how to pray in seclusion.
To perceive the Father within myself.
Teach me how to welcome solitary moments.
To enjoy the solitude within myself,
While listening to your inspirations.
In solitude, your mysteries are uncovered.

Thanks to CatholicDoors for that lovely prayer.