Tuesday, August 28, 2007

A Day of Silence

A while ago, I decided to take a day of silence. Not speak. Shut the pie hole. Be still. Be quiet.

Tony agreed to that Friday. Sort of a solem day before Fire Dweller. So, I went to McDonalds that morning and slipped the cashier a note. "Diet Coke."

She nodded, then started signing the alphabet.

What? I shook my head, trying to answer, but was not getting what her fingers asked. I pointed to my throat."Oh, okay," she said.

As I filled my cup, my heart was actually moved. She wanted to communicate with me in my language.

Anyway, as I sat and read, a McDonalds regular showed up. "Hi ya, Rachel."

So intent on reading, I forgot myself. I glanced up, "Hi Henry."

Ooops! Well, it was all over. His wife came around so I said hi to her and next thing I knew I was in deep conversation.

The Lord tapped my heart, "It's okay."

When I got home, Tony was sitting out back, "Well, that didn't work," I said, laughing.

But the Lord is gracious with do-overs, so I started my day of silence over.

I wrote notes to Tony if I had a question. Then, about 2:00 I came out of my office and said, "I think I'll eat something."

Tony asked, "Is the silence over?"

Ooops. I clapped my hand over my mouth, shaking my head.

Man, it was hard not to do something I do every day. Something science says I need to speak 250,000 of to feel normal: words.

I kept quiet until Fire Dweller.

I want to do it again. It was good to be still. Quiet.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rachel this sounds good, and as you experienced not that easy. Love you

Betsy St. Amant said...

Wow, I don't know if I could do that! Probably should sometimes. Silence would be a great lesson to learn. "Be still and know that I am God" - literally =) Thanks for the inspiration.

Will H. Donaldson Family said...

I have tried that many times in the past. "Taint easy!" Funny thing is even if I'm all alone, I talk out loud to myself. Ask anyone who knows me, 250,000 words aren't even close to enough...(sigh)
Will

Rebekah said...

You're a goof, next time dont go to a public place. I dont think I could go a day with out talking, however, a day of silence... whew, that I could handle (of course I mean the kids be silent) :)

Kay Day said...

My first time to your blog. I came from Megan DiMaria's.
I would like to go a whole day without complaining. Wonder if that will go any better?