QUIET PLEASE

For the past several months I have become so aware of the amount of stress that noise creates for me. It seems there is seldom a time or place that is free of noise. White noise can even create stress. I've tried to make some changes to reduce the amount of stress I experience and I believe it has had a positive effect. There are some noises over which I have no control, but for the ones I do, I have deleted them from my daily life. Some of those noises I have eliminated are:

1. I do not turn on my car stereo when I drive.

2. I turn off the vent fan as soon as I step out of the shower.

3. I mute the TV when no one else is in the room watching it.

4. I keep the sound turned off on my computer.

There are several more I just can't think of them at the moment. But each of these makes a difference in my level of stress.

I especially enjoy getting up early in the morning before my husband and dog are up. The quiet is very calming and peaceful. I enjoy going to bed at night when it's dark and quiet.

A Quiet Place.....

Went for a walk along a dirt road,

kicking pebbles as I went along.

After a while I could see in the distance,

trees surrounding a lake peaceful and strong.

Continued walking closer to the lake,

looking around for a quiet place.

Too many problems, nerves on edge,

slow down, relax, unwind, not race.

A spot to sit under a willow tree,

lean back, relax enjoy the day.

A gentle breeze passing overhead,

lost, but will I find my way?

Opaque clouds all sizes and shapes

slowly, silently floating above.

If I open my eyes what will I see,

a horseshoe, seashell, maybe a dove.

Slapping bouncing rocks in its way,

sound of water not moving fast.

Air smells so clean, pure, untouched,

a pebble over the water I cast.

Lean over to see all the wet stones,

reach in, feels cool, refreshing to touch.

Opening my eyes, must have been a dream,

surely I did not sleep too much.

Written by:

Karen Palumbo

Here are some scriptures that speak of quietness and that give me peace: (ESV)

"He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside STILL waters." Psalm 23:2

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a might one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will QUIET you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17

"First of all, the, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and QUIET life, godly and dignified in every way." 1 Timothy 2:1,2

"But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and QUIET spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." 1 Peter 3:4

"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in QUIETNESS and in trust shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15

"And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, QUIETNESS and trust forever." Isaiah 32:17

When you stop to think about it, the world is a very noisy place. Some people really like the hubbub and the action with sound. Are you one of those? Or are you like me, preferring quiet times? We all experience both and maybe prefer one or the other at different times, but overall, most of us lean toward one or the other. Which way do you lean: toward the noisy life or toward the quiet times and places?