Silence

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” ― Maurice Switzer

“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” ― Proverbs 17:28, NIV

“Keep your mouth shut and your own front doorstep clean.” ― Sean Connery

I noticed it yesterday: our city is getting louder.

One of the ‘blessings’ of the quarantine has been the lack of traffic noise. I can’t remember a time when Omaha has sounded so quiet and peaceful. The noisiest things in our neighborhood have been the birds. But, that has changed. As things begin to return to normal, the noise of everyday life is beginning to return as well. For many this noise is a welcome sign that perhaps we will get past the pandemic. I also pray that is true.

However, I don’t want life to return to normal; I want some things to change. For example, I would like us to talk less and listen more.

There are so many people saying so many contradictory things that some days my head just spins. We use words like bullets and send them speeding towards their targets without any thought for collateral damage. And with so many words being exchanged, they lose their effectiveness and in the end just become so much noise.

My hope is that we stop posting ugly things on social media. My hope is that we stop shouting our opinions at one another and engage in actual conversation. My hope is that we listen for the God who speaks through the natural world.

For my part, I’m limiting my words in this blog. And I return, as I always do, to Exodus 14:14 ―
“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.”

May God bless you and keep well.