"If you can sit in silence with a person for half an hour and yet be entirely comfortable, you and that person can be friends. If you cannot, friends you'll never be and you need not waste time in trying." The Blue Castle


The above is a quote from one of my favorite books. It's a beautiful story...and I believe that quote to say something quite interesting.

In our society, there seems to be a great lack of silence. What with all our televisions, mp3 players, radios, construction and busy hurrying to and fro...silence is something that we don't seem to think about, or even, on occasion, enjoy.

Ever been talking to someone and the conversation ends and you all stand there, silent? I imagine you don't feel very comfortable at that moment. Of course, if the radio were to be turned on, the silence would immediately become less awkward.

I wonder why we feel the need to always be talking, doing or listening...

Personally, I've always been a person who enjoys silence. My friends can attest to that fact! A quiet person by nature, I often call friends over to my house, then just sit quietly with them. Some friends don't mind it when I'm quiet...most hate it. They need to break the silence.

Of course, sound is good...but only when balanced with silence and solitude.

C.S. Lewis wrote "We live, in fact,in a world starved for solitude, silence, and privacy: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship."


I believe that to be a true statement.

If we take time out of busy, noisy lives to be alone, or even to be silent with our friends, I think we will find an added depth and joy to all our daily activities. Silence gives us a chance to feel...to breath and to ponder.

Try it this week...try going off somewhere by yourself...and listen to the silence.