I hate lulls in conversation. In high school I would plan conversation topics before dates. Yeah... obviously that went smashingly well. At times, in an effort to avoid the conversation from stalling, I mentally prepare the next topic of conversation and how to move towards that end. But that is a pain and a tad controlling (a tad?).
Going out on a limb here...but I think many can relate to my behavior. We all have been in that situation where "awkward silence" has emerged. After a momentary pause somebody tries to sputter out anything to move from awkwardness to normallness.
I comment on this in light of conversations with God. I dont' mean to trivilaize God, like God is just one of the "guys," and we hang out, exchange stories, chill, because Jesus is my "homeboy." Rather, I mean conversation in terms of prayer.
And in my prayer life (conversation) I realize that many times I do the speaking. I try to fill in the awakwardness of silence.
Think about the start of your day. What is the first thing you do? Television? Check e-mail? Make a phone call? Turn on the radio?
About two months ago I realized I was in the habit of checking my e-mail in the morning. I rushed into distraction instead of waiting for a word from God. So by ways of this small testimony I challenge you to try to be silent before God.
Serioulsly, try this. Go into a room and sit. Don't do anything. I mean just sit. And see what happens. Let me talk you into some awkward silence.
1 comment:
I resonate with all of that. The day you wrote this, I had had a similar morning experience...i got up, and was about to turn on the computer when i stopped.....and thought about how scared I must be of peace, silence, revelation and non-movement. why else would I rush to a distraction first thing.
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