Solitude and Silence

I was reminded this week of the need to unwind and find a quite place, for those who know me well I am someone who loves to be around close friends and exchange stories. I am not someone who needs to be around a large group of people, however I do like having one or two close relationships around me most of the time. Normally this just happens because I live with other people and if I live with people I can normally get along with them. I have had the opportunity this week to be by myself for a few days and contrary to how I thought it would be I am still sane.The last few weeks there has been discussion on the practice of being alone, being silent, and listening to the voice of God. The being alone part is hard, the being silent part is even harder but I've had a few opportunities to practice and after some of this practice I have to say...it's not any easier at all!

Quite reflection, while difficult for me, has been beneficial and while very difficult it has gotten me to think about just how noisy we make our own lives.There is always a long list of things we can do to keep ourselves busy, to keep ourselves distracted, to hide away from conflicts or problems or maybe just work we don't want to do. We have our phones, computers, game systems, television shows, and many other things and people we can connect with to avoid looking at ourselves. Now I'm not talking about finding yourself deep inside and achieving some profound sense enlightenment, that's really not my thing. I didn't have to dig deep before I could find a few things I've been avoiding looking at in my life, some things God has been trying to get my attention on and I was unintentionally drowning Him out.

I didn't archive some great profound understanding about who I am, I just got to be reminded that there are many things within me that still need some work as well as things I have been blessed with that I should be more thankful for. Maybe you are reading this and you have no problem getting alone and having quite, but on the off chance you're like me I'd challenge you to take an hour this week (yes a whole hour) and with music or without a devise go for a long walk and don't say anything just be still. 

I don't know what your life looks like but I can bet that a little bit of silence may just be what we all need in this world that drowns us in noise.  Psalm 46:10 "He says, "Be still and know that I am God...""