Silence

Early one morning, four years ago, I awoke to the dialog at the bottom of this post running through my head. 

It started me thinking about how nuts I get around this time of year. And, what I really crave is silence. Silence and time. Time to think. Time to enjoy. Instead, I feel torn in a hundred different directions. 

(True story, freebie and ADD detour: One Sunday our pastor suggested we write something down on our sermon notes. He gave us a few minutes and then said, "I know everyone doesn't like silence." or something like that. My immediate thought was "said no introvert ever!" )

Last year, there wasn't a tree. No Christmas cookies. Very, very minimal decorations (yes, the kids were fine with it). I found no guilt in this. Instead, I enjoyed time with family and friends. No one cared I didn't make cookies or candy. No one missed the Christmas tree. No, we weren't Scrooges. Instead, it focused us on the real meaning and reason for this special holiday. It was really freeing. 

If you're feeling torn in many directions, consider ways you can cut back during this season. What can you eliminate so you can focus on Christ? It's okay not to do one thing you've done every year and now it's become an obligation.

Let your imagination flow as you read the writing below. 

Merry Christmas and may your focus be on Christ.

Cows mooing

Sheep baaing

Goats bleating

Merchants talking

Birds chirping

People yelling
Children laughing
Hens clucking
Mothers scolding
Fathers working

~Silence~

God’s Angel speaking, 

“The Lord has chosen you, Mary. He is with you always.”

Mary gasps.

“Don’t be afraid or surprised. God has a big job for you and you are the one to carry it through. You will be with child through the Holy Spirit and you will name him Jesus. He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High. His Kingdom will never end.”

Mary pacing, “What? How can this be? I am a virgin, it is impossible!” 
Hands wringing. 

“Nothing is impossible with God, Mary.”
Closing eyes and smiling, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you've said happen to me.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cars honking 

Shoppers pushing

Dirty dishes sitting

Radios blaring

Television watching

Schedules demanding

Cell phone ringing

Computers calling

Laundry waiting

Factories roaring

Children crying

Text messaging

~Silence~

May we make time to hear God’s voice and, like Mary, answer, “I am the Lord’s servant.”