What Silence Says

If God rested, what makes us think we can survive without it?

The stillness of the lake reminds us — silence isn’t empty; it’s full of presence and reflection.- Photo by Bonnie S. Heisse.

Silence Becomes a Part of Your Life

I have experienced silence throughout my life.

Sometimes welcomed and other times hard to achieve.

Growing up, there were periods of quiet.

In church, out of respect for God. During prayer, meditation, and communion.

These were times when silence was required.

Why? They’re all times when you are reflecting on the state of your life, what Christ gave up for you, and a time to think about others.

Distractions were kept to a minimum. You could focus, concentrate, and stay on topic.

Of course, at bedtime, so you could get the rest you needed, to be prepared for the next day.

As I grew, I added times when silence was necessary.

In school, during class, unless you were answering a question or asking one.

I will admit, I didn’t always appreciate the period of quiet.

But I’ve come to embrace what that time brings with it.

During daily life, when it’s so overwhelming, thoughts are flying around in your head. So much noise is going on around you. You can’t concentrate, let alone hear your own thoughts.

When you want a bit of peace to hear your thoughts, to retreat into a place where there aren’t a million things coming at you at once.

To feel the presence of God with you through it all.

To give yourself time to focus and process, come up with a plan or idea for what’s being asked of you at the time.

Being in the Marines, out on a night ambush, where a single noise could alert your enemies to your presence, take away the advantage of surprise, and even your breathing could give you away.

You’re trying hard not to step on twigs. It’s definitely eerie with no sound except the night creatures. Wondering if you will be the one who gives away your position.

The stress can become unbearable. You start sweating and focusing intently on every move you make. Making even one sound could determine the success or failure of your mission.

This same intensity appears in unexpected places—like when raising a child.

Where even the slightest sound will wake your child, who you have been trying for hours to get to sleep.

You’re exhausted, wanting your child to sleep first because they need to, and second, because getting some sleep for you is essential to your well-being as well.

So many sleepless nights, with little or no peace. The baby is constantly crying.

A few minutes of silence is all you want. In those few moments, you might even fall asleep. To get some quiet is very much needed.

Throughout life, there are moments when you crave a little peace.

To relax from all the noises and distractions in your head and surroundings.

A time to reflect and pause.

Where you can recharge and focus on the things that need to be done.

A small moment for time to yourself.

Refuel and refresh your spirit, body, and mind.

That’s why I love going outside in nature.

To hear the calming sounds of the water, listen to the motion of the waves back and forth. This slows down my breathing and allows me to pause. Allowing me to relax and enjoy a few moments of solitude, peace, and grounding.

The various songs of the different birds—each has a unique voice. The ability to taste the salt on your tongue comes from the river. Reconnecting with God through His creation.

Feeling the slight breeze around you, you remind yourself: even though you can’t see the wind, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

Just like God. You can’t physically see Him. But you can see His handiwork all around you.

Letting you know He is always with you. Yet you can feel His presence in the breeze.

His creation is everywhere you look. In a sense, you can actually see Him.

You can also feel the different textures around you: the grittiness of the sand, the coolness of the water, the coarseness of the grass.

In these few precious moments in the silence of nature, I am restored beyond belief.

So, where do you go to get the silence you need?

Closing

A reminder to anyone who doesn’t slow down in life: there’s a cost for not taking time to breathe, reflect, and relax. The body wasn’t designed to be in constant motion. Your body needs downtime.

Even God rested on the seventh day.

So, if God rests, what does that say about us?