The company of a good friend is worth everything. You find yourself listening, even when there is much you want and need to say. You find the silence between you a sign of comfort and knowledge. It is as if there is nothing more important at that moment in time, which seems to stop its eternal march, if only for a brief period. There is much that happens, and little.
I find there is a constant when I am in the proximity of those I hold close to my heart. The need to talk, to express whatever is crossing the mind, decreases and the desire to listen and sit in silence grows. It is not as if I do not want to share, quite the contrary! I find the gift of listening and silence is something that is even more valuable.
The contrast with those needing to talk could not be greater. Talking is not always bad, however there are lessons to remember. “The talk of a good person is rich fare for many, but chatterboxes die of an empty heart.” (Proverbs 10.21)
We journeyed for a while yesterday, sometimes in conversation and other times in silence. I found much wisdom in the journey, yet I also found myself drifting back into the place where I meet God. Often I come to God with an agenda, confident that I know exactly what I need and when He should deliver. I continually find that when I stop and listen, God has much to say.
The question is, do I want to grow?
It is contrary to think of growth and having one’s needs met without talking. It seems to be a necessary part of the formula and it is. The question is when, how much quantity, and for what reason. God knows your need and mine far better than we do ourselves! He is totally committed to giving us what we need for eternal relationship. The Presence is with us at every moment, ready to nurture. Nothing could be better, but is this my choice or yours?
