silence, can you hear?

frozen drips waiting for release

Sitting in silence. It’s still dark outside. White lights on the Christmas tree reflect off the dangling colored ornaments. Stock simmers on the stove. Drips can be heard outside; it’s the first day in a week above freezing.

Yesterday, I posted a graphic I’d saved. It simply read,

“Silence calms my soul.”

Silence is a gift. Silence is golden. Silence is often missed; not even an operative word. We live with so much noise, chatter continually happening, externally, yes, but internally.

Sitting in silence, I listen for sound; the stockpot lid starting to rattle, more melting and splashing, the coffee pot’s gurgling, my dog stretching and changing position. In silence I hear these things that might otherwise be missed.

Thousands of years ago, shepherds sat in the silence of the night. I imagine there was a warm, crackling fire and stories of the day being shared among friends. 

Their silence was broken with a great announcement: a shepherd-king had been born. 

That day history changed, their lives changed, my life changed. I wonder if they might have missed it if the noise of the day had been clamoring instead of silent?

My friends, silence is fleeting. I hope you find moments of it to hear what’s going on around you; things both great and small.

Merry Christmas –

Missy

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