Silence

What does it mean to be silent?

I read that somewhere there’s a room. the most soundproof room in the world. I wonder what that’s like.

I’m not sure I know what silence sounds like.

I try it. Sitting. In silence.

But my dog sighs as he adjusts himself at my feet.

My stomach rumbles despite just having had breakfast.

A thrush sings on a tree outside.

A pigeon lands on my office roof and proceeds to march. All over my roof.

Even my pen makes a soft noise as I guide it across my page.

My mind flits from one thought to another. Nothing audible, but still interrupting my inner silence.

Or sometimes I go to the woods. Seeking silence.

I choose a quiet path. Hoping for quiet.

But the wind blows the leaves. And they rustle.

Twigs snap under my feet as I walk.

Somewhere, a bird calls. Or a squirrel runs.

What does it mean to be silent?

Maybe silence is about not speaking. Of not feeling the need to speak.

Maybe silence is me not setting the agenda.

Maybe silence is actually about listening.

Listening to the song of creation that’s continually being sung.

Listening to the invitation to be thankful.

Listening to what’s already inside of me.

Listening for the voice of God in and amongst the silence.

LORD, teach me to be silent. For it’s in silence that I think I hear.