Faster—Faster—Faster—Gigabit speed! Unlimited data! Get more channels!
Is “faster” better—is “more” really the goal of life? How fast is fast enough? How much is really enough?
What do you suppose would happen if we slowed down a bit?
Do you have 15 minutes that you could spare?
What if we made the decision to take 15 minutes of total quiet each day? 15 minutes to hear our own heartbeat. 15 minutes to inhale and exhale intentionally. 15 minutes without an agenda, without a phone, or a beeping phone, or a noise of any kind.
What if we took just 15 minutes and kept ourselves company?
Daydream, think of your childhood, remember those who have graced your life, count your blessings, contemplate creation, ask questions of God, listen to God, watch the birds outside your window. Slow down, no need to be in a hurry.
I would like to encourage you to take 15 minutes of quiet each day. Those 15 minutes will not derail your retirement or your career. What could happen in those 15 minutes? Well, maybe your blood pressure would come down, on its own. Maybe you would have less anxiety, without medication. Maybe your perspective would change. Maybe you could hear the still small voice of God.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
“But Jesus himself would often slip away to the wilderness to pray.” Luke 5:16
Someday, I am planning on retiring. My plan is to recreate myself as a leader of silent retreats. People would come to a retreat center and join me in silence. I will admit that I have a lot to learn about the subject. I don’t yet have enough material to fill an entire weekend with silence.
So, help me out here—let’s try this together. 15 minutes of silence each day—and if you can’t find the time, email me and this Sunday I will attempt a 15 minute silent sermon to help you out.
With that I will go silent.
Pastor Jim
