Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 96
Matthew 18:12-14
I’m not sure patience and silence top the list of adjectives which describe me! Why is “waiting in silence” a good practice for me – and for you – to observe? As I read today’s scriptures, I understand that much thought and prayer went into the actions described there.
Isaiah announces God’s coming and encourages the Israelites to act: Sing a new song – Bless his name – Declare his glory – Ascribe glory – Worship the Lord
Matthew likens a shepherd’s care to God’s care: Leave the ninety-nine sheep – Go in search – Rejoice
These actions are fruits of waiting in silence. Those moments, hours, and, perhaps days, focus our intentions.
When we purchased our home, there were wrought iron benches in the front yard. A young neighbor told us that she sought refuge sitting there when she and her older sisters had a disagreement. She said, “I sit there while I think and calm down.” Recently, my husband built a bench from trees that fell in nearby woods. That bench can be my place of solitude – a place to listen to the trees, watch the snow fall, and search for birds.
What is your place of silence? What questions and actions are you pondering? Let us be ready to sing and worship and rejoice as Advent leads to Christmas. Join me on the “bench” of your choosing.
– Martha Bartlett
