In my early days of ministry I worked closely with a funeral home in the little town where we were appointed as Pastors. Those early days of ministry taught me much about life, and death, and what really matters most when the chips are down. It’s amazing how we can find ourselves caught up in the midst of our very hectic lives, until something happens, and then we find ourselves utterly speechless. We’re speechless either because of tragedy, or even sudden joy and shock of any given situation. But, whatever the case may be, we find silence. While working with people at the funeral home I was often reminded of the words of Henri Nouwen, especially when I found myself wondering what I could do for those who were grieving. Nouwen said it’s at those moments in time we discover what he calls the ministry of presence. It’s not about talking, it’s not about busyness. It’s simply about being there, in the presence of others, who find themselves in the midst of silence.

I’ve been pondering silence lately as we find ourselves in a place where our kids are growing up. Many evenings I find myself sitting in my easy chair reading a book or watching some TV with my puppy dog Samson by my side. The silence at times can be deafening, but it’s also reminding me of the importance of silence. It’s like the old song says, “Silence is Golden.”

I believe it’s in the silence we find ourselves most vulnerable, and dare I say it, most moldable as well. Left alone with our thoughts, we find ourselves wondering about the events of the past, and pondering the events of the future. But then, somewhere in that silence, we suddenly find a sense of peace as well.

Some people are afraid of the silence. But I’m wondering if it’s in the times of silence, when we truly begin to hear that still small voice of God, and then we find ourselves in a better position to learn at the Master’s feet. Stepping aside from the chaos of the day, to sit at the Master’s feet.

A Fellow Sojourner,
Dr. Rus