But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 KJV)
Last year, my parents gave me a pair of earbuds for Christmas. I asked for a specific pair and my parents graciously and generously purchased that particular set for me. My original intent was to use them for jogging and walking my Labrador, Max. I am an avid podcast and Audible listener, so this allows me a variety of listening options to stream from my phone while out and about. Unfortunately, the earbuds have been used far more for dog walking than jogging, but that it is another devotional for another day!
Little did I know this wonderful gift would prove more valuable during this time of working remotely. In addition to being a great tool for listening, since they connect to my phone and have a microphone, the earbuds are a great tool for talking as well. It allows me to catch up on phone calls with family and friends without holding my phone to my ear.
However, over the last week, I have been doing a curious thing. It has been by accident, I think. I have been putting my ear buds in but forgetting to play a podcast or start my book. So essentially what occurs is I walk around with ear plugs in my ears. And it is marvelous! I have loved soaking in the physical beauty of my surroundings without the distraction of noise or commentary. I have even appreciated it without car noise or airplanes buzzing overhead.
There is richness in sound. I love music and I love conversation. I love a good book, read unabridged by the author. But as I grow older, I increasingly enjoy silence. Maybe because it allows me the opportunity to hear God more clearly or sort out my thoughts more clearly. Or maybe I do not need someone always filling my head with noise.
No matter the reason, I wish you some silence this holiday season. Not an empty, lonely sort of silence, but the type of silence pregnant with expectation. The type of silence that allows God to remind you that you are never alone. The kind of silence that caused Mary to ponder on that fateful first Christmas.
Rev. Dr. Dawson B. Taylor
Senior Minister
Prayer Focus:
For single parents feeling alone this holiday season
Loving God, help me to be more thankful every day. Amen