A Norvell Note for November 8, 2021
Vol. 24 No. 44
A Time to Be Silent
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
The wisest of men said, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” As I reflect on each season (with one exception), I think, “Been there. Done that. And I am weary.”
The statement that appeals most during this season is “there is a time to be silent.”
The wisest of men later said, “A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.”
He also said, “Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God. (Ecclesiastes 5:3,7)
During this season, I have often said, read, and heard, “There are no words.” And yet, I search for words.
Sometimes, when I listen to those who claim to have the answers to what ails the world and troubles the soul, I wish they would move into a season of silence.
Some radio and television talk show hosts and podcasters would do well to be silent and let their guests speak.
Silence is what is needed when in the presence of the Lord. Silence is appropriate when comforting a friend or family member standing near the bed of one struggling to breathe. Silence is better when with one who is grieving and preferred when attending a concert.
Though I may wish for silence from others, the silence most needed is my own.
Yes, there is a time to speak, but I find that being silent is often the better choice.
In my search for words, I find peace in being silent.
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